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RV Storage on Gravel: Preventing Weed and Moisture Issues
General Medium 1-2 days for initial setup 220 👍 1

RV Storage on Gravel: Preventing Weed and Moisture Issues

Nobody warned me that buying a house with RV storage meant inheriting the previous owner's 13-year-old weedy, muddy gravel disaster. While considering this location's storage options, I want to mitigate potential issues with weed growth and moisture retention under the RV.

I'm seeking advice on effective strategies for storing on a gravel surface that shows significant weed penetration and moisture retention. Initial ideas include pre-treatment herbicide application and installing a protective barrier, but I want input from experienced RV owners.

My primary concerns are preventing undercarriage damage and managing moisture/vegetation growth. I plan to spray weed killer beforehand and potentially lay down a weed barrier, pending facility approval. What techniques or materials do you recommend to protect my RV during storage? …more
Power Gear Leveler Won't Retract: Complete Repair Guide
Slideouts Medium 2-4 hours 208 👍 2

Power Gear Leveler Won't Retract: Complete Repair Guide

Called Power Gear support and they said press retract after leveling, but my system deployed perfectly and now just sits there doing absolutely nothing. The system appears to receive the retract command since I can hear some activity, but the legs remain extended. The only way to get them up is by engaging the transmission which triggers the emergency retract function.

I need a systematic approach to diagnose this retraction failure. What are the most likely causes when Power Gear levelers deploy normally but won't respond to the retract command, and what's the proper troubleshooting sequence to identify whether it's a solenoid valve issue, wiring problem, or control module failure? …more
How to Replace RV Slide Topper Fabric: Complete DIY Guide 2024
Exterior Medium 2-3 hours 161 👍 1

How to Replace RV Slide Topper Fabric: Complete DIY Guide 2024

I pulled into three different campsites this month and my torn slide topper is eating through my gear faster than I can replace it. I've never done anything like this before and I'm worried I might damage the whole mechanism or make things worse.

Can I actually replace just the fabric portion safely, or should I bite the bullet and have the entire assembly replaced by a professional? I'm also concerned about costs - I'm hoping this won't break the bank. If it is something I can do myself, how difficult is it really? I don't want to get in over my head and end up with a bigger problem than I started with.

Can you help me understand the best approach for my specific situation? …more
RV Flat Tire on Highway: Emergency Steps & Specialized Roadside Service Tips
Chassis Medium Varies 148 👍 1

RV Flat Tire on Highway: Emergency Steps & Specialized Roadside Service Tips

Every highway mile seems to be eating through my Tiffin Allegro motorhome tires way faster than it should, especially after that brutal double blowout on the back axle. When this happened to us, we found that regular AAA and typical roadside assistance don't always help with RVs. We were stranded and eventually had to use a service called Driving Solutions, who charged us $1600 for used tires after eight hours of waiting.

What's the proper procedure if this happens? Should I try to move to a safer location first, or stop immediately? Who should I call for help - are there specialized services that handle RV tires? I want to be prepared with the right contacts and know the safe steps to take, because I imagine regular tow trucks and tire services might not have the equipment or expertise to handle a large motorhome tire emergency on the interstate. …more
RV Slide Out Moving Slowly? Complete Lubrication & Repair Guide [2024]
Slideouts Medium 2-3 hours 115 👍

RV Slide Out Moving Slowly? Complete Lubrication & Repair Guide [2024]

I tried everything I could think of, but after all that heavy rain last week, my slide out went from smooth operation to moving like molasses. It sounds like it's really struggling and straining, making these awful grinding noises that have me worried I'm going to break something expensive.

I've been reading that lubrication might be the answer, but I honestly don't know where to start. Should I be looking at the motor mechanism? The tracks? I've heard about hydraulic fluid but I'm not sure if my system is hydraulic or electric. I really need someone to walk me through what needs lubrication and what else I should check before this thing stops working completely!

Could you help me troubleshoot? Details that might help: Can you tell me the specific model of my RV and the type of slide out system it uses? …more
How to Replace Atwood Levelegs Control System with GAMA Electronics RF340-4PR Controller
Slideouts Medium 4-6 hours 104 👍

How to Replace Atwood Levelegs Control System with GAMA Electronics RF340-4PR Controller

Noticed my Tiffin Allegro Bay's Atwood Levelegs control pad has a completely blank display, won't respond to any commands, AND all the leveling jacks are totally dead. I'm looking at expensive repair options - around $400 for repair service or $3000+ for a complete Bigfoot replacement system.

I researched alternatives and found the GAMA Electronics RF340-4PR-ASL controller with HP4PR-ASL handheld pendant, which cost around $235 shipped. I customized the solution by 3D printing a switch panel with 4 DPST on/off switches and a momentary DPDT switch for jack control.

Is this type of aftermarket replacement reliable and compatible with existing Atwood jacks and wiring? I want something I can easily troubleshoot and maintain. …more

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Dutchstar Chassis Cracking Noise: Diagnosis & Repair Guide
Chassis Medium 45 minutes 99 👍

Dutchstar Chassis Cracking Noise: Diagnosis & Repair Guide

Hearing a loud cracking or popping noise from underneath my Dutchstar when going over bumps or turning. Sounds structural — like metal flexing or a weld breaking. Crawled under and couldn't see any obvious cracks but the noise is getting louder each trip. …more
RV Electric Leveling Jacks Won't Extend - Fix Clicking Issue
Slideouts Medium 45 minutes 99 👍

RV Electric Leveling Jacks Won't Extend - Fix Clicking Issue

Wondering if I should drop $800 on new electric leveling jacks or if this annoying clicking issue can actually be fixed first? The jacks were working perfectly fine on our last camping trip about two weeks ago, but now when I try to extend them, I can hear a distinct clicking sound coming from the controller panel, yet none of the jacks actually move or extend. The clicking happens consistently when I press the extend button, so it seems like the system is trying to respond, but something is preventing the actual mechanical operation.

I'm wondering what the most common causes are for this specific symptom - where you get the clicking from the controller but no actual jack movement. I'd like to understand the logical troubleshooting sequence, starting with the easiest things to check first before I dive into more complex diagnostics. The RV has been sitting plugged into shore power, but I know these systems can have multiple potential failure points including electrical, hydraulic, or control issues.

What should I be checking first, and what's the typical progression for diagnosing electric leveling jack problems that manifest with clicking sounds but no extension? …more
How to Fix RV Slideout Rubbing Against Exterior Wall - Complete Repair Guide
Slideouts Hard 2-4 hours 97 👍

How to Fix RV Slideout Rubbing Against Exterior Wall - Complete Repair Guide

Finally figured out why my neighbor's slideout glides like butter while mine scrapes horribly against the exterior wall every time — what's their secret? My slideout has started rubbing against the exterior bathroom wall, and the coach is perfectly level.

The main thing I've noticed is that the gap at the bottom of the slide is much smaller now compared to the top - it used to be about 1½-2 inches at the bottom, but now it's barely anything. There's also about a ½ inch difference in height from one end of the slide to the other when I measure from the top.

I've independently jacked up both sides of the slide more than an inch each and checked the gap, but neither showed a difference. When I crawled underneath, I couldn't see where the slide might have moved laterally closer to the wall. The exterior stripes still line up. I also noticed the shower hasn't been used in 6 years or longer (I bought this coach used).

I'm wondering if this could be some kind of drooping issue? I've heard about things like rollers wearing out, but I honestly don't know what to look for or where to start troubleshooting. Should I be checking underneath the RV? Any advice on what might be causing this rubbing and smaller gap would be hugely appreciated! …more
Ford F53 Godzilla V8 Suspension Problems: Fixes & Upgrades for Class A Motorhomes
Chassis Hard Research and planning phase 96 👍

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
HWH 625S Slide Out Not Working: Step-by-Step Control Box Bypass & Repair Guide
Slideouts Medium 2-3 hours 94 👍

HWH 625S Slide Out Not Working: Step-by-Step Control Box Bypass & Repair Guide

Wondering why my 2008 Winnebago Adventurer 38J's HWH 625S slide out won't budge after replacing the solenoid, cleaning connections, and checking fluid levels? The passenger slide won't extend or retract from the wall switch, but when I manually operate the solenoid valves, the slide moves perfectly in both directions.

I've already replaced the solenoid valves, so I know they're good. The problem seems to be that power isn't reaching the solenoids from the switch - everything routes through the control box first.

Can I safely bypass the HWH control box by connecting the switch wires directly to the solenoid wires? What should I check before attempting this bypass? …more
How to Replace a Broken RV Front Shock Mount - Part ID Guide
General Hard 3-4 hours 94 👍

How to Replace a Broken RV Front Shock Mount - Part ID Guide

Tried to avoid a costly repair by checking first — would my RV's front shock mount bracket failure where the shock absorber connects to the chassis be covered under warranty? The bracket appears to be chassis-specific hardware, but I'm unable to locate the correct part number through standard parts diagrams - it shows as a grayed-out component without identification in the technical documentation I've found.

What is the proper procedure for identifying and sourcing this type of suspension mounting hardware? The bracket sits adjacent to part 3A010 in the assembly and appears to be a critical structural component for proper shock absorber attachment. …more
How to Lift RV Slideout for Floor Repair - Safe Methods
Slideouts Hard 4-8 hours 94 👍

How to Lift RV Slideout for Floor Repair - Safe Methods

Apparently my 2000 Allegro Bus slideout only starts sagging and needing floor repair when it hits 85 degrees outside — works perfectly fine otherwise. We discovered water damage under the slideout and need to replace some plywood subflooring, but there are screws I can only access if I lift the slide somehow.

I'm worried about damaging the slideout mechanism or worse, having it fall and hurt someone. The hydraulic system seems to work fine, but I've heard you shouldn't trust it alone for this kind of work. What's the safest method to lift and support a slideout while doing floor repairs underneath? I want to make sure I'm not making a dangerous mistake here. …more

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RV Hydraulic Leveling Jack Leaks: Normal Seepage vs Serious Problems Explained
Slideouts Easy 30 minutes inspection 92 👍

RV Hydraulic Leveling Jack Leaks: Normal Seepage vs Serious Problems Explained

Somewhere between parking and leveling my 2019 Forest River Georgetown, I noticed the hydraulic leveling jacks have small amounts of fluid on the fittings. No puddles underneath and the jacks aren't sagging when stored or in use. Just a light coating on the hoses and one fitting has a small amount of fluid visible.

Is this normal seepage or something I should worry about? What's the difference between normal weeping and a real problem that needs immediate attention? …more
HWH 325 Levelers Shutting Off When Extended? Quick Fix Guide
Slideouts Medium 45 minutes 90 👍

HWH 325 Levelers Shutting Off When Extended? Quick Fix Guide

This might sound like a warranty question, but before I start tearing into my HWH 325 series levelers that shut off when extended — am I covered or paying again? They power up just fine - all lights, sounds normal, no drama. But the SECOND I press any of the extend buttons, they shut off completely like I just insulted their mother.

I'm trying to level out while changing my motorhome's oil (because apparently I can't even do basic maintenance without my house deciding to be crooked), and these levelers are having none of it. Battery shows good on the panel, but I'm wondering if there's some kind of voltage issue happening when they try to actually work? Or maybe loose connections somewhere? Anyone dealt with this particular brand of RV stubbornness before? …more
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