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Remote RV Diesel Fueling: Complete Guide for Campground Fuel Strategies
Engine Easy 15 min read 141 👍

Remote RV Diesel Fueling: Complete Guide for Campground Fuel Strategies

Last night at 11 PM I'm staring at my diesel RV's fuel gauge showing nearly empty — need to figure out remote campground fuel strategies before we head out this morning. With a 5 gallon Harbor Freight stick transfer pump, I've been able to add fuel when truck stops aren't convenient, but I'm concerned about static electricity risks.

My current setup involves using the pump to transfer diesel with the fuel can on a camping table, since my RV's fuel inlet is located under a slide. I pumped 10 gallons successfully, but I'm wondering about the safety of this method.

I know there are static electricity concerns when transferring fuel, and I'm curious about the specific risks with diesel. How safe is it to transfer fuel when the can isn't directly grounded to concrete? Are there best practices I should follow when manually adding diesel in remote locations? …more
RV LP Gas Detector False Alarms: Complete Troubleshooting Guide
Propane Easy 30 min 121 👍

RV LP Gas Detector False Alarms: Complete Troubleshooting Guide

Already tried everything but my RV's LP gas detector has false alarms in the garage, keeps beeping at random times, AND won't reset properly. Even with the LP tank completely shut off, the alarm still goes off within hours. It's located in the bottom of the fridge cabinet.

I've checked everywhere for actual leaks - can't smell anything, and all my appliances still light immediately when I take the RV out. The detector seems fine outside but becomes a nightmare indoors. I'm wondering if it's the sensor going bad, poor placement, or if there are other things that can trigger these detectors besides actual propane leaks?

I really need a complete breakdown of what causes these false alarms and how to fix this issue once and for all. Should I be looking at replacing the detector entirely, or are there troubleshooting steps I'm missing? …more
How to Winterize RV Dishwasher and Washing Machine with Antifreeze - Complete Guide
Appliances Easy 30-45 minutes 93 👍

How to Winterize RV Dishwasher and Washing Machine with Antifreeze - Complete Guide

During my first walkthrough of this RV I bought last month, I discovered the previous owner never properly winterized the dishwasher and washing machine. I've got a Fisher & Paykel dishwasher and a Contoure front loading washer that I absolutely cannot let freeze up.

I know I need to use RV antifreeze, but I'm honestly confused about the exact process. Do I just pour it in and run a cycle? How much do I use? I've read horror stories about people using the wrong type of antifreeze and ruining everything. I really need someone to walk me through the correct steps before I mess this up! …more
RV Whirlpool Refrigerator Cycling Every 30 Minutes: Is It Normal? [202
Ac Refrigeration Easy 30 minutes 92 👍

RV Whirlpool Refrigerator Cycling Every 30 Minutes: Is It Normal? [202

Looked everywhere for answers on my Whirlpool residential refrigerator cycling every 30 minutes—my neighbor says it's normal, RV dealer says it's broken, YouTube says something else entirely. The ambient temperature here is around 65°F, and I have both the fridge and freezer set to the 3rd snowflake setting.

I haven't timed it exactly with a stopwatch, but I keep noticing it kicking on again after what feels like a short time. I'm concerned this frequent cycling might be a sign of a problem or could lead to premature failure. I try to keep the vents clean when I can access them. Should I be worried about this 30-minute cycle pattern, or is this within normal range for an RV refrigerator in these conditions? …more
RV House Refrigerator Storage: Should You Leave the Door Open?
Ac Refrigeration Easy 15 minutes 85 👍

RV House Refrigerator Storage: Should You Leave the Door Open?

According to the moisture buildup around my residential fridge door seals after just two weeks of storage, I'm clearly doing something wrong.

With my old propane fridge, I religiously propped that door open during storage like every RV manual commanded. But now that I've got this "house fridge" - do I treat it like a regular home refrigerator and keep it closed, or do I stick with my old RV habits and prop it open? I'm probably overthinking this, but the last thing I want is to open it up next season and get knocked over by some horrific smell that could wake the dead. What's the right move here for preventing mold and keeping things fresh during long-term storage? …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

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RV Fresh Water Tank Safety: Complete Guide to Preventing Contamination Risks
Plumbing Easy 4-12 hours for sanitization 78 👍

RV Fresh Water Tank Safety: Complete Guide to Preventing Contamination Risks

Between the horror stories about brain-eating amoebas and my complete cluelessness about RV water systems, I'm terrified I'm going to poison myself with my own fresh water tank. I've been RVing for years and never really thought twice about our fresh water tank - we'd fill up wherever, use it for drinking, cooking, even my wife's neti pot rinses.

Now I'm second-guessing everything! How often should I actually be sanitizing our tank? Are there specific water sources I should avoid? And what about activities like nasal irrigation - I keep seeing conflicting advice about what water is actually safe to use. I really want to keep my family safe but also don't want to become completely neurotic about every drop of water we use. What are the real best practices here? …more
Why RV Water Smells Bad After Storage: Quick Fix Guide
Plumbing Easy 30 minutes each use 77 👍

Why RV Water Smells Bad After Storage: Quick Fix Guide

Pulled the RV out of winter storage and the water smells like rotten eggs the second I turn on any faucet. Hot and cold both reek. Sanitized the tank with bleach before storage but clearly something went wrong over the winter. Need this fixed before our first trip next weekend. …more
Winter RV Storage Heating: Complete Guide to Using Portable Propane Tanks for Freeze Protection
General Easy 30 minutes 76 👍

Winter RV Storage Heating: Complete Guide to Using Portable Propane Tanks for Freeze Protection

I woke up to ice crystals forming in my Integra Ethos RV's plumbing lines this week and now I'm panicking about freeze damage during winter storage. The RV will be parked at my property for several months in below-freezing conditions.

I'm considering using a portable propane tank setup (20lb grill bottle, with a 100 lb bottle also available) instead of relying on the RV's main propane system. My Truma Combi Comfort Plus heating system offers 14,000 BTU Gas and 2 x 850 watt electric heaters, with heating mode set at Gas & Electric.

I want to connect an external propane source using specific brass fittings and adapters, with a regulator set at 11 inches water column pressure. The internal temperature will be set at 40 degrees Fahrenheit to keep the unit on stand-by all winter long.

Specifically looking for guidance on connection methods and safety considerations when using external propane tanks for winter RV storage heating. …more
5 Best RV Sewer Hose Replacements for Presto-Fit Users (2024 Guide)
Plumbing Easy 15 minutes to install 75 👍

5 Best RV Sewer Hose Replacements for Presto-Fit Users (2024 Guide)

Noticed my Presto-Fit sewer hose replacement keeps disconnecting at the worst possible moments even though I installed it last week. After 20 blissful years with my trusty Presto-Fit sewer hose, it finally gave up the ghost. Of course, now that I need a replacement, they're nowhere to be found. It's like losing your favorite pair of underwear – you never realize how good you had it until it's gone!

I keep seeing names like Camco RhinoFLEX, Valterra Dominator, and Lippert Waste Master thrown around, but honestly, I'm drowning in options and contradictory reviews. Some people swear by thick-wall hoses, others talk about cam-lock vs bayonet fittings, and don't even get me started on the cold-weather flexibility debate.

What are the real top alternatives for us displaced Presto-Fit refugees? I need something reliable that won't leave me literally knee-deep in regret during my next dump station adventure! …more
RV Vacuflush Toilet Odor Fix: Stop Black Tank Smells While Driving
Plumbing Medium 1-3 hours 65 👍

RV Vacuflush Toilet Odor Fix: Stop Black Tank Smells While Driving

After six months on the road, my 2016 Fleetwood Bounder's Vacuflush toilet is eating through air fresheners faster than I can buy them thanks to relentless black tank odors. When parked, no smell at all. What causes this driving-only odor issue and how do I fix it? I'm thinking it's related to air pressure or venting but need to know the exact solution. …more
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