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How to Fix RV Washer P-Trap Dry Out and Stop Gray Tank Odors
Plumbing Easy 15 minutes 87 👍

How to Fix RV Washer P-Trap Dry Out and Stop Gray Tank Odors

After not using my RV's gray tank for days, my bathroom is still getting blasted with sewer smells that seem to appear out of nowhere. My 2025 Bay Star 2826 came pre-plumbed for a washer/dryer in the bedroom closet, but we decided not to install one. The problem is that horrible sewer smell keeps coming up through the washer drain pipe - it's making that whole area of the RV unbearable.

I know there's a P-trap down there that's supposed to hold water and block those gray tank odors, but since we're not using the washer connection, that trap just dries out completely. Every few weeks those awful smells come back with a vengeance. I've tried pouring water down there a couple times, which helps temporarily, but it just evaporates again.

There has to be a better long-term solution than me crawling under there with a pitcher of water every month, right? What do other RVers do when they have an unused washer hookup that keeps letting sewer gases escape? …more
Cummins 400 Throttle Power Loss: ECM and Other Causes
Engine Medium 2-3 hours 77 👍

Cummins 400 Throttle Power Loss: ECM and Other Causes

Standing here looking at my first RV with a Cummins 400 that loses power whenever I hit the throttle, leaving me crawling up hills at 35mph while everyone flies past! My Cummins 400 has developed this charming habit of suddenly losing all throttle response. One minute I'm cruising along just fine, the next minute the pedal might as well be connected to my hopes and dreams - completely useless.

It just sits there maintaining 50mph no matter how much I stomp on it. Occasionally the RPMs will jump to 2000 and I get a brief taste of actual power before it drops back down like my expectations for this rig. The worst was climbing out of Death Valley at a blazing 15mph - I'm pretty sure I saw a tortoise give me a dirty look as it passed.

My kid thinks it might be the ECM, but honestly at this point I'm open to suggestions that don't involve selling a kidney. Anyone dealt with similar power loss and throttle issues on a Cummins 400? …more
RV Water Crossing: How to Avoid Engine Damage and Recovery Steps
Engine Easy N/A 67 👍

RV Water Crossing: How to Avoid Engine Damage and Recovery Steps

Woke up to my Winnebago Ekko surrounded by floodwater above the wheel hubs, the engine is completely dead, AND there's moisture creeping into places it definitely shouldn't be. While I haven't noticed any unusual noises or driving behavior, I want to be proactive about potential water exposure damage.

I've checked that the oil isn't milky and brake fluid looks normal. However, I'm concerned about potential impacts on hubs, bearing grease, brake fluid, differential fluid, and transmission fluid from this water exposure.

Has anyone else with an Ekko experienced similar flooding and have recommendations for post-water exposure inspection? Am I being overly cautious about checking various components? I'm hoping to get some expert advice on what specific things I should examine to ensure no long-term damage occurred. …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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