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RV Refrigerator Ammonia Smell: Leak Repair & Safety Guide
Ac Refrigeration Medium 30 minutes 331 👍

RV Refrigerator Ammonia Smell: Leak Repair & Safety Guide

Last spring when I opened up my RV for the first camping trip, that same overwhelming ammonia stench hit me the moment I cracked open the refrigerator door. It seems to be getting worse and I can smell it throughout the coach now. I'm scared this might be some kind of refrigerant leak but I'm not sure.

Is it safe to keep using the refrigerator? Should I be concerned about health risks from breathing this in? I don't want to make the situation worse or put my family in danger. What should I do immediately to stay safe? …more
How to Reduce RV Interior Noise: Complete Sound Dampening Guide for Motorhomes
General Medium 4-8 hours 254 👍

How to Reduce RV Interior Noise: Complete Sound Dampening Guide for Motorhomes

Despite having a 2021 Coachmen Mirada, looking at my sound meter right now and there's 69 decibels of highway noise blasting through the cabin. My target is to achieve approximately 65 decibels for better communication with passengers.

I need a systematic approach to interior noise reduction. What are the most effective sound dampening materials and techniques for motorhomes? Specifically, I'm looking for solutions that address engine noise transmission, road noise, and any rattling components that contribute to the overall sound level.

What realistic noise reduction can I expect from proper sound deadening implementation, and what are the key areas to focus on for maximum impact? …more
RV LP Gas Detector False Alarms: Complete Troubleshooting Guide
Propane Easy 30 min 218 👍

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
RV Windshield Washer System: Complete Maintenance Guide & Troubleshooting Tips
General Easy 15-30 min 187 👍

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
RV Slide Out Water Leak Repair: Complete Guide to Finding & Fixing Leaks in Your RV
Slideouts Medium 2-3 hours 177 👍

RV Slide Out Water Leak Repair: Complete Guide to Finding & Fixing Leaks in Your RV

Replaced my slide out seals last month but water still keeps pouring in every time it rains — am I missing something obvious here?

I've heard it could be the weatherstripping or seals, but I'm not sure how to inspect them properly or what other things might cause leaks. Could someone walk me through a systematic approach to find and fix slide out water leaks? I'd really appreciate guidance on what to check first and how to go about diagnosing the problem.

While the seals look okay visually, something clearly isn't sealing right when it rains. …more
Atwood AFMD35 Furnace Playing Peek-a-Boo - How to Clean Flame Sensor & Fix Short Cycling
Propane Medium 30-60 minutes 173 👍 1

Atwood AFMD35 Furnace Playing Peek-a-Boo - How to Clean Flame Sensor & Fix Short Cycling

Staring at my Atwood AFMD35 manual that claims it should stay running once lit, but mine keeps shutting off every few minutes like it's playing peek-a-boo. It fires up beautifully for about 5-10 seconds, gets my hopes up that I won't freeze tonight, then promptly shuts off like it's having second thoughts about this whole "heating the RV" thing.

I've ruled out the sail switch and high temp limit since it actually lights (small victories in RV life, right?). I'm pretty sure the flame sensor is the culprit here, but I've never cleaned one before. How do I clean this mysterious little part, and what's the best way to access it on this model? Because apparently my furnace thinks playing hard-to-get is charming! …more

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How to Lift RV Slideout for Floor Repair - Safe Methods
Slideouts Hard 4-8 hours 171 👍

How to Lift RV Slideout for Floor Repair - Safe Methods

Apparently my 2000 Allegro Bus slideout only starts sagging and needing floor repair when it hits 85 degrees outside — works perfectly fine otherwise. We discovered water damage under the slideout and need to replace some plywood subflooring, but there are screws I can only access if I lift the slide somehow.

I'm worried about damaging the slideout mechanism or worse, having it fall and hurt someone. The hydraulic system seems to work fine, but I've heard you shouldn't trust it alone for this kind of work. What's the safest method to lift and support a slideout while doing floor repairs underneath? I want to make sure I'm not making a dangerous mistake here. …more
RV Window Seal Leaking: Complete Repair Guide & Solutions
Exterior Medium 2-4 hours 166 👍

RV Window Seal Leaking: Complete Repair Guide & Solutions

Opened up my RV window seals yesterday thinking I fixed the leak, but water's still dripping through during today's downpour — what did I miss? The rubber seals around the frames are obviously shot, all cracked and dried out looking.

I'm torn between two approaches here: should I take the time to completely remove the old seals and put in new butyl tape/rubber sealing, or can I just run some caulk over the existing stuff and call it good? Looking for the best long-term fix that'll actually keep me dry! …more
How to Fix RV Propane Detector False Alarms
Propane Easy 30 minutes 151 👍

How to Fix RV Propane Detector False Alarms

Every YouTube tutorial I followed to fix my RV's LP gas detector false alarms only made it beep more frequently at night. The detector appears to be responding to non-gas triggers, but I need to systematically determine whether this indicates sensor degradation, environmental interference, or if there's an actual safety concern I'm missing. What are the primary causes of false positive readings in RV propane detection systems, and what diagnostic steps should I follow to differentiate between legitimate equipment failure versus actual gas leak detection? …more
Ford F53 Motorhome Brake Inspection: Complete Guide to Checking Rotors and Pads
Engine Easy 15 min visual, 1 hour full 149 👍

Ford F53 Motorhome Brake Inspection: Complete Guide to Checking Rotors and Pads

Turned onto that steep mountain grade last week and heard grinding from my 2014 F53 chassis, but I can't figure out how to properly inspect the brake pads and rotors. I've been crawling around under there, contorting myself into every possible position, but I just can't get a good view of the brake components through the wheel openings.

Is there a specific technique or approach that actually works for getting a proper look at the pad thickness and rotor condition? I really want to stay on top of brake maintenance, but the limited visibility is making this nearly impossible. Should I be using special tools, or is there a better method I'm missing? …more
RV Whirlpool Fridge Cycling Every 30 Minutes: Normal?
Ac Refrigeration Easy 30 minutes 147 👍

RV Whirlpool Fridge Cycling Every 30 Minutes: Normal?

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 Hit-and-Run Damage Assessment & Repair Guide
Exterior Medium 2-3 hours 140 👍

RV Hit-and-Run Damage Assessment & Repair Guide

Came back from dinner to find someone had sideswiped my RV in the campground parking lot and took off. Damage runs along the entire passenger side — fiberglass is cracked, trim is torn off, and the compartment door won't close. Need to figure out repair vs insurance claim vs total loss. …more
RV AC Not Cooling Properly? Complete Troubleshooting & Repair Guide
Ac Refrigeration Medium 2-3 hours 134 👍

RV AC Not Cooling Properly? Complete Troubleshooting & Repair Guide

Standing here after replacing my RV's AC compressor yesterday but it's still barely blowing cold air — did I mess something up? My dual AC setup absolutely crushes it when it's blazing hot outside - we're talking 95+ degree days and it'll knock the temp down a solid 15 degrees no problem. But now that the weather's cooled off to like 70-75 degrees, the darn things can't even keep up with the outdoor temperature. Set the thermostat to 69, outside temp is 69, and I'm still sitting at 75+ inside the rig.

I actually tested it yesterday - turned off the AC completely, opened windows and ran exhaust fans, and got better cooling than with the AC running! Now I'm doing this weird combo of AC plus open windows just to stay comfortable. What gives? Why would my AC units lose their mojo when the weather gets easier on them? Is this some kind of airflow issue or what? …more

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RV Furnace Won't Ignite But Blower Runs: Complete Troubleshooting Guide
Propane Medium 1-2 hours 134 👍

RV Furnace Won't Ignite But Blower Runs: Complete Troubleshooting Guide

Staring at my 2022 Thor Quantum SE28 furnace after following three YouTube tutorials that somehow made it worse — now it won't ignite despite the blower running perfectly. The unit is getting power and the blower motor kicks on when I call for heat, but I'm not getting any ignition at all - no flame, no heat output. I can hear the blower running strong, so it's definitely getting electrical power, but something in the ignition sequence isn't working.

I've got plenty of propane (3/4 tank) and my stove works fine, so I know gas is flowing to the RV. This is actually the first time I've tried to fire up the furnace this season after it sat unused all summer. The outside vents look clean and I don't see any obvious obstructions, but I'm wondering if there are specific components in the ignition system I should be checking.

What are the most common failure points when you have blower operation but no ignition? I'd like to work through the troubleshooting systematically rather than just throwing parts at it. Are there particular components like switches or igniters that typically cause this symptom? …more
Is It Safe to Sleep with Your RV Generator Running? Safety Guide
Engine Easy N/A 133 👍

Is It Safe to Sleep with Your RV Generator Running? Safety Guide

This is 11 PM and my wife is sweating bullets in our RV — need to know if running our generator overnight is safe before we both melt. We have a 2023 Class C RV and my wife really needs the A/C running at night to sleep comfortably. I know our RV has a carbon monoxide detector installed, but I'm honestly not sure if that's enough protection.

I've heard mixed things about running generators while sleeping - some people seem to do it regularly while others say it's dangerous. What safety precautions should I be taking if we do this? Should I be worried about which windows are open or wind direction? I want to make sure we're being as safe as possible but also want my wife to be comfortable. Any guidance from more experienced RVers would be really appreciated! …more
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