Results for "winter camping"

Ac Refrigeration Medium 2-3 hours 128 👍 0

Dometic RV AC Not Cooling? 5 Common Fixes for Air Conditioner Troubleshooting Guide

Walked out to my RV this morning trying to decide between calling a repair tech or troubleshooting my Dometic Brisk Air rooftop AC myself since it's showing weird operational issues. The compressor engages and fan motor operates normally, but the unit fails to produce cold air output. Temperature differential across the evaporator coil is minimal.

Unit functioned properly through previous cooling season with no apparent issues. Current symptoms include normal airflow volume but inadequate cooling capacity. What systematic diagnostic procedure should I follow to identify the root cause? Looking for a methodical troubleshooting sequence that addresses the most probable failure points in order of likelihood. …more

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Solar Batteries Medium 4-8 hours 98 👍 0

Complete RV Solar System Guide 2024: Sizing, Installation & Wiring

Turned to YouTube for RV solar advice and now I'm more confused than ever - probably a dumb question, but how do I actually size this thing? Could fellow RV owners share details about their current solar setups?

Please provide insights on:
- Total system watts
- Fixed or portable panels
- Rigid or flexible panel types
- Series or parallel wiring configuration
- Total system amps
- System voltage
- Wire gauge used
- Controller type
- Personal pros and cons of your current setup
- What you might change in a future installation

These details will help establish baseline specifications for a fleet installation project. …more

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Plumbing Easy 30 minutes 96 👍 0

How to Fix Stuck RV Toilet Valve After Winterization - Step by Step

Called a repair shop about my RV toilet valve that only gets stuck when it's above 60 degrees outside — works perfectly fine during colder weather after winterization. During the camping season, my toilet works perfectly fine - the dump valve opens and closes smoothly without any problems. However, after I winterize my RV for winter storage and drain all the water from the system, I consistently run into the same frustrating problem when I try to de-winterize in spring.

The toilet dump valve gets completely stuck in the closed position and requires significant force to get it moving again. It seems like the valve mechanism seizes up during the months of storage when there's no water in the system. I'm assuming this happens because the seals and moving parts dry out completely without any moisture present during winter storage.

What's the best preventive maintenance I can do to keep this valve from sticking during winterization? Are there specific lubricants or treatments I should apply to the valve mechanism and seals before putting the RV into storage? I'd rather prevent this problem from happening in the first place rather than having to force a stuck valve every spring and risk damaging the toilet. …more

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Best RV Solar Panel Kits

4.5 (12,700 reviews)

Plumbing Easy 15 minutes 86 👍 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

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Plumbing Medium 30 min 86 👍 0

RV Sewer Hose Freezing Temperature & Cold Weather Protection

Nobody can seem to agree on whether I should winterize my RV sewer hose system now or wait until temperatures actually threaten my specific setup. Current setup involves a dual-hose configuration with approximately 30 feet total length running to septic connection point.

Critical issue: The final two feet of hose rises approximately two inches above the main run elevation before connecting to the septic inlet. This creates a low point where effluent can accumulate rather than draining completely. Overnight temperatures are forecast to drop to 25°F for the next 48 hours.

What is the precise freezing temperature for RV sewer hoses, and does the uphill section with potential standing water create additional freeze risk at this temperature threshold? …more

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Plumbing Easy N/A 82 👍 0

How to Travel with a Winterized RV: Complete Cold Weather Guide

I noticed my travel trailer isn't winterized for my Connecticut to Florida Keys trip in February — can't afford professional service right now, need DIY solutions under $200? I'll be stopping at my brother's place in New Jersey first, and then caravaning to our first stop in Fredericksburg, VA at a KOA with a full bathhouse.

I've winterized my travel trailer for the cold months up here, and I recently heard a podcast about travelers staying winterized and using RV antifreeze for quick bathroom needs during the trip. I'm wondering if anyone has experience with this approach.

I know I could de-winterize before leaving, but I'm worried about pipes freezing during the drive south since we'll be going through some cold states. On the other hand, traveling winterized means no water systems working during the trip. What's the smartest way to handle this? Should I keep it winterized for the whole drive and deal with no water, or is there a better strategy I'm missing? …more

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Appliances Medium 90 minutes 82 👍 0

RV Water Heater Popping Noise: Causes & How to Fix

I found myself replacing the heating element, flushing the tank, checking every connection — but my RV water heater still makes these loud popping and crackling noises whenever it's heating up. It's got me a bit worried since I'm not sure what's normal and what isn't with these systems.

Is this something I should be concerned about? Could it be dangerous or cause damage if I don't address it? I've heard people mention draining water heaters but I'm not really sure when that's necessary or how to tell if that's what mine needs. Any guidance would be really appreciated! …more

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Ac Refrigeration Medium 2-3 hours 81 👍 0

How to Fix Cracked Norcold RV Refrigerator Door Hinge: Complete Repair Guide

Walked out to my 2006 Newmar 3910 after that brutal heat wave last month and the plastic around my Norcold RV refrigerator door hinge has completely cracked and given way. The door is literally falling off now, though the actual hinge hardware still seems okay - it's just that the plastic frame around the hinge pin has failed.

I'm hesitant to attempt any repairs myself since we just invested in new guts for this unit to get both 120v and propane operation working. We're currently wintering in Temecula, CA, and I don't want to damage the door frame beyond repair or create a safety hazard. Are there reliable repair methods for this type of plastic failure, or am I looking at having to replace the entire door? I'm particularly concerned about whether the door frame can be saved or if attempting a repair might make the whole situation worse. …more

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Plumbing Easy 30 minutes each use 77 👍 0

Why RV Water Smells Bad After Storage: Quick Fix Guide

Pulled the RV out of winter storage and the water smells like rotten eggs the second I turn on any faucet. Hot and cold both reek. Sanitized the tank with bleach before storage but clearly something went wrong over the winter. Need this fixed before our first trip next weekend. …more

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General Easy N/A 69 👍 0

Forest River Georgetown GT3 Class A Motorhome: Complete Owner's Guide

Called a tow truck after that torrential rain last weekend left my Forest River Georgetown GT3's emergency brake on the left wheel completely stuck and won't disengage. I'm looking for advice on diagnosing and resolving this specific brake problem. Has anyone dealt with a similar emergency brake malfunction on this model? …more

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General Easy 30 minutes install 69 👍 0

Hieha TPMS Review 2024: Complete RV Tire Pressure Monitor Test & Comparison Guide

Replaced my old TPMS last month but planning to install this Hieha system Saturday — should I worry about going budget for tire safety? I keep reading horror stories about tire blowouts and I don't want to risk my family's safety with unreliable equipment.

Has anyone actually used the Hieha brand long-term? I'm particularly concerned about accuracy issues and whether the sensors will actually alert me when there's a real problem. Are there better options I should be considering even if they cost more? I'd rather spend extra money upfront than deal with a roadside emergency later. …more

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Best RV Sewer Hoses & Kits

4.6 (31,500 reviews)

Ac Refrigeration Medium 1-2 hours 67 👍 0

Adding Ball Valve to 2008 Fleetwood Terra Heater Line - Safe?

I turned off my RV's cooling system and grabbed my wrench — ready to install a ball valve on my 2008 Fleetwood Terra's heater line but need safety confirmation first. I've been battling what I suspect is a faulty electric heater valve that may not be closing completely when I switch to A/C mode.

The electric valve is expensive to replace and located in an incredibly awkward spot that's driving me crazy to access. I've tried everything - heat detectors, feeling around the lines, you name it - but I still can't definitively tell if it's actually sealing off hot coolant flow when the A/C is running.

Here's my question: Can I safely install a simple manual ball valve in the heater line before the existing electric valve? I'm hoping this would let me manually shut off coolant flow to the heater core when using A/C, essentially doing the job the electric valve should be doing. Will this cause any problems with the cooling system or damage anything? I just need to know if this is a safe solution before I start cutting into lines. …more

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Engine Medium Varies 63 👍 0

2021 Ford F53 Chassis Exhaust System: OEM vs Aftermarket Options for Coaches

Staring at my 2021 F53 chassis with the 7.3L V8 after all that rain last week, I'm getting paranoid about my exhaust system condition. Recently, I discovered two exhaust joint leaks on a used coach with only 26k chassis and 9,100 miles - one behind the catalytic converter and another in a bend higher up before the exit point. What's concerning is that water was dripping underneath, which seemed unusual for such a new vehicle. Are these exhaust leaks common, or could they indicate a deeper issue? I want to understand if this is a typical problem or something I should be more worried about before potentially making modifications. …more

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Engine Easy N/A 61 👍 0

Dana Super 70 Pinion Seal Leaking: When to Worry About RV Differential Seepage

Pulled into camp yesterday and spotted fresh oil weeping around my Dana Super 70 pinion seal - now I'm wondering if this needs immediate attention. Not full-on crying tears of gear oil onto my driveway (thankfully), but definitely looking a bit moist around the edges. Been like this for years now - my RV's apparently got commitment issues with keeping things bone dry.

The plot thickens: even the weld spots where the axle tube meets the diff are joining the sweating party. At 24k miles, I'm wondering if this is just my Dana Super 70 being a drama queen, or if I should be genuinely concerned? No actual drips after sitting all winter in storage, but my OCD brain keeps telling me to grab a flashlight and inspect it daily. Should I be panicking or just accept that my differential has trust issues with seals? …more

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Plumbing Easy 30 minutes 34 👍 0

RV Fresh Water Fill Cap Seal: Why Most Don't Have Them

Nobody seems to make a fresh water fill cap with an actual seal anymore, and I'm scratching my head over this. We're leaving for a two-week trip this weekend and my original cap finally cracked around the threads where the seal sits. I've been shopping for replacements online and at RV stores, but every single one I find comes without any kind of gasket or O-ring. My old cap had a rubber seal that kept debris and rain out of the tank. While I was prepping for our trip, I cleaned out the breather hose and started wondering - if these caps aren't supposed to seal, why do we even have a breather system? Shouldn't there be a way to get a proper sealing cap somewhere? …more

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