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RV Inverter Guide: Modified vs Pure Sine Wave - Safe Power
Solar Batteries Medium 4-6 hours for inverter replacement 249 👍 1

RV Inverter Guide: Modified vs Pure Sine Wave - Safe Power

My multimeter's out and I'm ready to tackle this RV electrical mess myself — pretty sure the inverter's the culprit but need to know where to start. I have a 2000 Winnebago Ultimate Advantage with four deep cycle house batteries and recently installed a Xantrex 758 inverter to replace my old Freedom 15 unit. The first time I tried using the inverter power while unplugged from shore power, something very strange happened - a hair dryer in the bathroom started running by itself and wouldn't shut off when I tried the switch. I had to unplug it, and the handle was warm. The hair dryer appears to be ruined now.

When I bought the Xantrex 758, I paid around $725 for what I thought was a good unit, but I'm now learning there's a difference between modified sine wave and pure sine wave inverters. I wasn't aware of this distinction when I made the purchase, and it turns out the 758 is a modified sine wave unit. I've since heard that modern electronics, especially things like residential refrigerators, computers, and sensitive electronic components, can be damaged by modified sine wave power.

I'm really concerned about potentially damaging my new residential refrigerator, stereo system, and computer equipment. Should I be worried about using this modified sine wave inverter with modern RV electronics? Is the hair dryer incident a sign that I need to upgrade to a pure sine wave unit, or are there other factors that could have caused this problem? I'm trying to understand if my current setup is putting my expensive electronics at risk. …more
How to Fix RV Refrigerator Door That Won't Stay Closed - 5 Best Latch
Ac Refrigeration Easy 45 minutes 99 👍

How to Fix RV Refrigerator Door That Won't Stay Closed - 5 Best Latch

RV fridge door swings open every time we hit a curve or a bump in the road. Already lost a shelf full of groceries on the highway. The magnetic latch barely holds and the aftermarket ones I've looked at all have mixed reviews. What actually keeps these doors shut while driving? …more
RV Battery Disconnect Switch Guide: When to Use, What Loses Power & Staying Safe
Electrical Easy 10 min read 99 👍

RV Battery Disconnect Switch Guide: When to Use, What Loses Power & Staying Safe

Wondering if I can skip the $400 shop diagnosis for my electrical issues and just figure out this battery disconnect switch myself, even though I'm getting conflicting advice.

Specifically, I'm concerned about what happens to things like my LP gas detector, carbon monoxide alarm, and refrigerator when I disconnect the battery. Will I lose all my radio presets and clock settings? Are there certain situations where I absolutely shouldn't use the disconnect switch?

I want to use it for storage to prevent battery drain, but I'm also wondering about daily use scenarios. What are the best practices to avoid any problems or safety issues? I really don't want to mess anything up or put my family at risk. …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
How to Replace RV Residential Refrigerator Mounting Brackets: Step-by-
Ac Refrigeration Medium 2-3 hours 88 👍

How to Replace RV Residential Refrigerator Mounting Brackets: Step-by-

During this tight budget month, is there any way to replace the mounting brackets on my GE residential refrigerator for under $100? The bracket that secures the fridge broke (as shown in the attached picture) during our last trip, and now I'm worried about it shifting around while we're driving.

I've been searching everywhere online but I'm not having any luck finding the exact part. Are these brackets something universal that I can get from RV parts suppliers, or do I need to go directly through GE? I'm also wondering if there's a way to fabricate something myself if I can't find the original part.

Any guidance on where to look or what my options are would be hugely appreciated - we have a trip planned next month and really need to get this fixed! …more
Southwire EMS Built-in vs External Surge Protector: Do You Need Both?
General Easy 15 minutes to verify 87 👍

Southwire EMS Built-in vs External Surge Protector: Do You Need Both?

Opened my 2022 Holiday Rambler 38N DP and discovered it's eating through surge protectors way faster than normal, despite having the built-in Southwire system. Dealer says I might not need an external surge protector like a Watchdog since it's already built in.

Does a built-in Southwire surge guard provide the same protection as a standalone EMS unit? Should I still install an external surge protector or is the built-in system sufficient? Want to make sure I have proper protection without buying unnecessary equipment. …more

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Can You Remove an RV Inverter Charger Without Replacement? (Yes, Here'
Solar Batteries Medium 3-4 hours 85 👍

Can You Remove an RV Inverter Charger Without Replacement? (Yes, Here'

Called three RV supply shops about replacing my failed Xantrex inverter/charger in my 2001 Fleetwood Expedition — but do I even need one or just wasting money? Since I never utilize the inverter function and rely exclusively on generator or shore power for 120V loads, I'm evaluating whether complete removal is feasible rather than expensive replacement.

My primary concern is maintaining proper 12V DC charging capabilities for house batteries that power lighting, water pump, and ventilation systems. Would installing a standalone battery charger provide adequate charging and maintenance functionality? Are there any critical system integration issues I need to address, particularly regarding power transfer switching between shore power and generator sources? …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 Stop RV Refrigerator Shelves from Sliding While Driving - Easy
Ac Refrigeration Easy 30-45 minutes 84 👍

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
Dometic RV Fridge Replacement: Residential vs RV-Specific Options Guide for Smart RVers
Ac Refrigeration Hard 4-8 hours 83 👍

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
How to Winterize RV Residential Fridge Water Filter: Remove vs Bypass
Ac Refrigeration Easy 30 minutes 81 👍

How to Winterize RV Residential Fridge Water Filter: Remove vs Bypass

Before winterizing, my RV's residential fridge started making bizarre gurgling sounds from the water filter area that I've never heard before. I had my motorhome winterized professionally, but when I checked afterwards, I noticed they left the water filter in place instead of removing it or installing a bypass plug.

Is this the correct procedure, or should the filter have been removed? I'm worried about potential damage from antifreeze or freezing, but I don't want to second-guess the professionals if this is normal. What's the proper way to handle the water filter during winterization? …more
Best RV Refrigerator Door Latch Replacement Options: Complete Guide 20
Ac Refrigeration Easy 30 minutes 81 👍

Best RV Refrigerator Door Latch Replacement Options: Complete Guide 20

According to Murphy's Law, our RV's refrigerator door latch completely gave out just days before our big family reunion trip this weekend! The plastic latch on my residential Whirlpool refrigerator door has given up the ghost, and now I'm living in constant fear of opening the door to find my condiments have taken a scenic tour of the RV floor.

I know this has to be a rite of passage for pretty much every RV owner out there. What are the best aftermarket options to replace these flimsy factory latches? I've seen magnetic catches mentioned, and Camco seems to make everything RV-related, but I'd love to hear what actually works long-term. Bonus points if it doesn't look like I jerry-rigged my fridge with whatever was lying around the campsite! …more
Complete Luxury Motorhome Buying Guide for Retirement Full-Time RV Living & Travel
Engine Easy N/A - informational 79 👍

Complete Luxury Motorhome Buying Guide for Retirement Full-Time RV Living & Travel

My husband just casually mentioned we're about to drop our entire retirement nest egg on a luxury motorhome when neither of us knows anything about RVs.

I keep hearing different brand names thrown around but honestly have no clue which ones give you the most bang for your buck in that mid-range luxury space. Also wondering if I should buy new or let someone else take the depreciation hit? And what features should I absolutely not compromise on for full-time living?

Just want to make sure I'm not learning expensive lessons after I hand over the cash! …more

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RV Residential Fridge Battery Drain: Generator Usage in Hot Weather Explained
Engine Easy Informational 79 👍

RV Residential Fridge Battery Drain: Generator Usage in Hot Weather Explained

My 2017 Pace Arrow 38B's residential fridge is forcing me to choose between running the generator nonstop or risking food spoilage during Phoenix boondocking in 80-degree heat.

I splurged on new AGM batteries just a few months ago, so these babies are practically still in diapers. But every morning I'm waking up to dead batteries like some sort of RV Groundhog Day nightmare. I have to fire up the engine just to get the generator going again!

So here's my million-dollar question: Is my power-hungry residential fridge just being a normal drama queen in this Phoenix heat, or did I somehow get cursed with defective batteries? I'm starting to wonder if running the generator twice daily is just the price I pay for having cold beer and ice cream in the desert, or if there's actually something wrong with my setup. Help a confused RVer out! …more
How to Fix 2022 Ford E-450 RV Tire Pressure Sensor Fault | TPMS Troubleshooting Guide
Engine Easy N/A for warranty 79 👍

How to Fix 2022 Ford E-450 RV Tire Pressure Sensor Fault | TPMS Troubleshooting Guide

During my morning drive, that sharp, persistent beeping sound erupts from my 2022 Ford E-450 motorhome dashboard as the "Tire Pressure Sensor Fault" message flashes relentlessly. Because nothing says "relaxing RV vacation" like mysterious warning lights, am I right?

The intermittent fault seems to be coming from the rear tires mostly, and of course it always happens at the most inconvenient times - like when I'm trying to convince my spouse that this whole RV lifestyle was a brilliant idea. I'm wondering if this is just a typical TPMS sensor going bad or if there's some sort of relearn procedure I need to do?

Since this beast is still under warranty, I'm hoping there's a straightforward fix that doesn't involve me pretending to understand tire sensor technology. Anyone know what the usual culprit is for these TPMS faults on the E-450 chassis? …more
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