Results for "washer-hookup"

Plumbing Medium 2-4 hours 446 👍 9

RV Water Pump Losing Prime: Troubleshooting & Winterization

Got a 2022 Tiffin Open Road 34PA with a water pump that keeps losing prime during winterization — about to buy a replacement but wondering if I'm throwing money at the wrong problem? I can get it back by quickly opening and closing one of the lowest drain valves, but then it just loses prime again after a while. This has happened on other RVs I've winterized too, but it's particularly stubborn on this Tiffin.

I'm suspecting it might be the inline check valve next to the pump or maybe the one behind the Truma hot water heater, but I'd love some guidance on proper diagnosis. What are the most common causes of prime loss during winterization, and what's the best way to troubleshoot and fix this? I want to make sure I'm covering all my bases for winter storage prep. …more

Read answer

General Easy 15-30 min 119 👍 0

RV Windshield Washer System: Complete Maintenance Guide & Troubleshooting Tips

Somewhere between following three different YouTube tutorials, I managed to turn my RV's windshield washer repair into a sprinkler system that hits everything except the actual windshield. The specific issue I'm experiencing is fluid running back into the reservoir after each use, which means washer fluid isn't effectively hitting bugs before they dry and smear. I actually found a clever solution - using an aquarium air pump check valve from PetSmart for just $3.00. Sometimes it's these little fixes that make a big difference.

Sometimes the washer sprays like a garden sprinkler gone rogue, other times it dribbles like a leaky faucet. The fluid seems to have a mind of its own - either freezing up in cold weather or not hitting the windshield where it's supposed to.

I'm dealing with nozzles that spray everywhere except where the bugs are, a reservoir that I can never seem to locate when it's empty, and wipers that just smear everything around instead of actually cleaning. Could someone help me troubleshoot and confirm if my check valve solution might help? …more

Read answer

Appliances Easy 30-45 minutes 93 👍 0

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

Read answer

Product Ranking 8 compared

Best RV Solar Panel Kits

4.5 (12,700 reviews)

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

Read answer

Engine Medium 2 hours 90 👍 0

Onan 5500 Generator Tune-Up Guide: Best Aftermarket Parts & Filters 20

Before my last camping trip when I tried to order replacement parts, I discovered that finding genuine OEM components for my Onan 5500 generator has become nearly impossible. The Cummins website has been showing most tune-up components as out of stock for months now, and when I do find supposedly "official" Onan oil filters online, many retailers are substituting generic filters that may not meet the same specifications.

I've been researching alternatives and I'm particularly concerned about getting the right oil filter and spark plugs. For the oil filter, I've seen conflicting information about whether aftermarket options like Wix filters are truly compatible - some sources mention the 57398 but I've read mixed reviews about fitment issues. For spark plugs, my current ones are NGK BPR4EY, and I've heard the NGK 3432 might be equivalent, but I want to make sure before ordering.

I'm also planning to stick with zinc-containing oil like Rotella T6 15w40 since I know air-cooled engines need the extra protection, but I'd love confirmation that I'm on the right track with quality aftermarket parts that won't compromise my generator's performance. What specific part numbers and brands would you recommend for a reliable tune-up when OEM parts aren't available? …more

Read answer

Plumbing Easy 15 minutes 87 👍 0

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

Read answer

Electrical Easy N/A 86 👍 0

How to Safely Use Multiple RV Campground Pedestal Outlets: Electrical

I looked at my campsite setup and realized I need to safely tap multiple pedestal outlets for my RV without creating an electrical disaster. My toyhauler is plugged into the 50A service, but I'm thinking about also using the 20A outlet on the same pedestal for my residential washer/dryer and an electric tankless water heater.

Specifically, I want to plug in an electric tankless water heater for my toyhauler's setup, but I'm concerned about whether a 20A outlet can even handle that kind of load. Are these outlets on the same breaker as the 50A service? I don't want to trip breakers or worse, cause any damage to the campground's electrical system.

What's actually safe to plug into those extra pedestal outlets when you're already using the main 50A connection? I'm being extra cautious because I've heard horror stories about RV electrical issues. …more

Read answer

Engine Easy 30 minutes 83 👍 0

Ford V10 RV Engine: Is Full Synthetic Oil Better Than Synthetic Blend for Performance?

Planning my next oil change but my viscosity readings are hitting breakdown at 3,000 miles when everything says synthetic blend should last 5,000 in my 2008 Ford V10. The owner's manual specifies Motorcraft 5W-20 synthetic blend oil, which I've been using consistently. However, I've identified that Costco's Kirkland brand offers 5W-20 full synthetic at a lower cost point than my current oil.

From a technical standpoint, would transitioning from synthetic blend to full synthetic oil provide any measurable benefits for RV engine protection? I need to verify that the Kirkland full synthetic meets Ford's engine specifications before making this change. What are the performance differences between these oil formulations for heavy-duty RV applications? …more

Read answer

Engine Medium 45 minutes 83 👍 0

Ford 7.3 Godzilla Fumoto Oil Drain Valve Installation: Complete RV Maintenance Guide & Pro Tips

I looked into quick-lube places, crawling under with pans, and even portable extractors for oil changes on my Class A motorhome's Ford 7.3 Godzilla engine — still a messy disaster. I need to confirm the correct Fumoto part number that will work specifically for this engine. If anyone has already done this modification, I'd appreciate knowing the exact part number you used. Thank you, Glenn …more

Read answer

Engine Hard 6-8 hours 82 👍 0

F53 Rear Pinion Seal Replacement: Complete Dana 17060 RV Axle Repair Guide

I replaced my Dana 17060 rear pinion seal myself after getting quoted $1,800 for my 2018 Allegro 32SA and saved a fortune. I've been researching this repair and I'm honestly getting overwhelmed by what I'm reading about the complexity.

The more I dig into this, the more concerned I'm getting about the specialized tools needed and the precision required. I'm specifically wondering about the 650 lb torque specification, finding a socket that fits the nut and can work with a 1-inch drive, and the best method for removing a potentially loctited nut.

Is this realistically a DIY job for someone with decent mechanical skills? I've already marked my components for driveline alignment, but I'm unsure about seal removal tools, whether to use heat for nut removal, and if I should use loctite when reinstalling.

Is this something I should attempt myself or just pay for professional work? How long does this type of repair typically take, and what am I really looking at in terms of complexity? …more

Read answer

Appliances Easy 30-45 minutes 81 👍 0

Fix Splendide Washer/Dryer Towels Stuck to Drum Issue

Our new-to-us RV came with a Splendide washer/dryer combo that the previous owner left in terrible shape — it turns towels into matted clumps stuck to the drum. This problem occurs regardless of load size variations - both light and heavy loads produce identical results.

The matted towels require manual separation and often necessitate running additional wash and dry cycles, though this remedial approach yields inconsistent results. The towels appear to compress into solid masses that conform to the drum's curvature.

Seeking technical analysis of potential root causes and systematic troubleshooting procedures to eliminate this operational malfunction. What mechanical or procedural factors contribute to this towel matting behavior, and what specific corrective actions should be implemented? …more

Read answer

Product Ranking 8 compared

Best RV Propane Accessories

4.5 (11,200 reviews)

Engine Easy N/A - informational 79 👍 0

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

Read answer

Plumbing Medium 45 minutes 75 👍 0

Thetford Aria Deluxe 2 Toilet Blade Assembly Installation: Step-by-Step Guide

Finally picked up my RV last month only to discover the previous owner left the Thetford Aria Deluxe 2 toilet blade assembly completely botched and leaking everywhere. The replacement kit included multiple washers of different sizes, but the installation documentation lacks clear specifications for proper washer positioning.

I need to verify the correct placement sequence for the rubber washers - specifically which washer interfaces with the bowl surface and how the smaller washers should be positioned relative to the mounting hardware. The leak appears to be originating from the assembly-to-bowl junction, suggesting improper seal alignment during reassembly. …more

Read answer

Plumbing Medium 2-3 hours 70 👍 0

2016 Windsport 35C City Water Inlet Removal & Replacement

Last week's downpour left my 2016 Windsport 35C's city water inlet leaking badly and now I'm stuck replacing the entire unit. I've removed all three mounting screws and cleared away the sealant, but the inlet assembly refuses to pull out from the exterior wall. Other RV repair videos I've watched show the inlet simply pulling straight out once the screws are removed, but mine appears to have a different mounting system.

I'm wondering if there's a threaded connection I'm missing or if I need to rotate the inlet while pulling. What's the proper removal technique for this specific model? Also concerned about the installation process - how do you properly tighten the new inlet from the outside to ensure a leak-free seal without over-torquing? …more

Read answer

Electrical Medium 30-45 minutes 65 👍 0

2016 Winnebago Vista 29V Tow Harness 12V Fuse Location

Before yesterday my 2016 Winnebago Vista 29V's tow harness started getting zero 12V power and now I can't locate which fuse controls the F53 chassis feed. The towed vehicle's brake system has lost power, and I've confirmed the issue is upstream from the 7-pin connector.

I've checked the obvious interior fuse panels but cannot locate the circuit that feeds constant 12V to the tow harness. The chassis and coach manuals don't clearly identify which fuse position controls this circuit. Can someone provide the exact fuse box location and position number for the tow harness 12V feed on this specific model? …more

Read answer

Loading more Q&A...

You've seen all 17 Q&A articles!