Popular New Guides Product Guides Tools Checklists My Rig

Results for "waste-system"

783+ Q&A Updated Weekly Free
RV Wheel Alignment Guide: Warning Signs, Cost & When to Get Service
Engine Easy 20 min read 100 👍

RV Wheel Alignment Guide: Warning Signs, Cost & When to Get Service

This Class A Freightliner Chassis alignment I finished yesterday still pulls hard left through those tight campground turns — did I mess something up? who knew? 🙄

Now I'm dealing with some funky tire wear patterns and my rig seems to have developed a mind of its own on the highway - it's pulling to one side like it's trying to make an unscheduled scenic detour. I'm pretty sure I need a wheel alignment, but honestly, I have no clue what warning signs to look for or how often this service should be done.

What are the telltale signs that scream 'GET AN ALIGNMENT NOW!'? I'm specifically looking for recommendations near Glendale, AZ, and I've heard mixed things about Bell Road RV. How do I find a shop that actually knows what they're doing with big rigs like my Freightliner? And what should I expect to pay for this delightful reality check? Any guidance would be awesome before I end up as one of those viral RV fail videos! …more
How to Stop Animals From Nesting in Your RV Generator Air Intake
Engine Easy 30-60 minutes 75 👍

How to Stop Animals From Nesting in Your RV Generator Air Intake

During my pre-trip RV inspection this morning, I'm staring at my generator and there's a massive bird's nest completely blocking the air intake. I keep finding cat poop on my Onan Q70 generator intake! At first I thought maybe it was a one-time thing from the previous owner, but nope - I've had to clean it off THREE times now, and we're talking about some serious deposits here.

The really puzzling part? I haven't even been running the generator or traveling anywhere, so it's not like cats are seeking out warmth. We're also 500+ miles from where I originally bought the RV, so unless the same cat has been following me cross-country (which would be impressive dedication), this seems to be a recurring problem with different animals.

Is my generator intake just irresistibly attractive to cats somehow? Has anyone else dealt with this lovely surprise, and more importantly, how do I convince the local feline population that my generator is NOT their personal bathroom? I'm starting to feel like I'm running a very expensive outdoor cat toilet! …more
RV Toilet Won't Hold Water: Fix Bowl Drainage & Sewer Smells
Plumbing Medium 60 minutes 74 👍

RV Toilet Won't Hold Water: Fix Bowl Drainage & Sewer Smells

Since my RV service tech insists I need to replace my entire toilet just because the water keeps disappearing from the bowl, I'm wondering if he's overselling me on what might be a simple seal issue. Pretty sure it's a seal issue but not sure if it's the ball seal, blade seal, or something with the valve itself. Getting some lovely sewer smells too which is just fantastic 🙄

Before I start tearing things apart, what's usually the culprit here? And roughly what am I looking at cost-wise for parts? Really hoping this is one of those DIY fixes and not a "call the RV guy" situation. …more
RV Sewer Hose Without Fittings: Where to Buy Bulk Hose & Replacement Options
Plumbing Easy 30 minutes 72 👍

RV Sewer Hose Without Fittings: Where to Buy Bulk Hose & Replacement Options

I turned on my Class A RV this morning and discovered my 5' Camco Extreme Flex sewer hose is leaking badly everywhere. I've used multiple hoses across 5 different Class A motorhomes, and the Camco Extreme Flex has been the best, but now I'm struggling with a leak I can't seem to fix.

I keep striking out trying to find just the hose portion without fittings since I already have good fittings I can reuse from my existing 5' and 15' hoses. I don't want to go to a thinner hose with steel reinforcing. I'd ideally buy a 20' length and make a new 5' hose, keeping the remainder for future replacements.

I'm concerned - is buying bulk hose even safe for RV waste systems? Are there any reliable sources, or am I taking risks with industrial hose that wasn't meant for this? What are my safest options without having to buy complete kits with fittings I don't need? …more
How to Fix a Macerator Toilet Leaking Water From Bowl to Floor
Plumbing Medium 1-2 hours 71 👍

How to Fix a Macerator Toilet Leaking Water From Bowl to Floor

Turned on my RV this morning to discover my macerator toilet is leaking water from bowl to floor — can't afford a $200+ service call, any DIY fixes under $50? We have a 2016 DS 3736 with a macerator toilet that just started leaking water from the bowl onto the bathroom floor. The RV has been sitting unused for about two months, and this is the first time we've had it out since then - not sure if that's related but thought I should mention it.

The leak started two days ago and water is coming out pretty quickly now. I'm wondering if sitting idle could have caused something to dry out or if there might be debris blocking something? I'd love to know how to figure out exactly where it's leaking from and what the most common fixes are for this type of issue. Any advice on troubleshooting steps would be really appreciated! …more
Robert, RV Mechanic
Ask an RV Mechanic Avg reply < 5 min

My Rig Settings

Hi, I'm Hank!
Need help setting up? I can walk you through it
Rig Info
Give it a name you'll recognize
Power & Electrical
Climate Control
Water System
Refrigerator Type
Leveling System
Convenience & Features
Sync across devices