Results for "winterization"

Plumbing Medium 2-4 hours 445 👍 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

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Plumbing Easy 30-45 minutes 108 👍 0

RV Water Pump Running But No Water? Complete Troubleshooting Guide 202

Finally looking at my RV water pump right now and it's running constantly but there's absolutely zero water coming out of any faucets. However, when activating any fixture throughout the system, the water pump initiates and runs continuously without producing water flow at any outlet point.

All system components appear to be functioning mechanically - pump motor engages properly, electrical connections are secure, and there are no visible leaks in accessible plumbing runs. The symptom manifests uniformly across all water delivery points including kitchen, bathroom, and exterior service connections.

What diagnostic steps should be performed to identify the root cause of this no-flow condition despite continuous pump operation? …more

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Plumbing Easy 30 minutes 100 👍 0

Fix RV Low Water Pressure on City Connection: Troubleshooting Pump Assembly

Last week my pressure regulator started reading a solid 40 PSI on city water but my water pump keeps cycling on for 5-6 seconds when everything says it should stay completely off. When I connect to city water, my water pressure regulator shows a solid 40 PSI, which should be plenty, right? But here's the weird part - my water pump keeps kicking on for about 5-6 seconds then shuts off, even though I'm connected to city water and the pump switch is supposed to be off.

The really frustrating thing is that the pressure feels weak throughout the RV, with specifically the bathroom sink and kitchen sink seeming low, though the shower has good pressure. I've already changed out the intake/check valve and don't currently have a filter in the system. I can see the pump running while on city water, which I know is not normal. I noticed the kitchen and bathroom sink screens were plugged - which might explain some pressure issues - but now I'm wondering about the toilet's low pressure. Could there be a screen in the toilet line I'm not seeing?

I've been full-timing for two years and never had this issue before. What should I be checking for? I'm handy enough to do basic repairs but need to know where to focus my troubleshooting efforts. …more

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Best RV Propane Accessories

4.5 (11,200 reviews)

Plumbing Easy 30 minutes 95 👍 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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Appliances Easy 30-45 minutes 92 👍 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

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Electrical Medium 30-60 min 91 👍 0

Dead House Batteries on 50 Amp Shore Power: Troubleshooting Guide

Turned on my 2024 Entegra Reatta XL this morning to find the house batteries completely dead again despite being plugged into 50 amp shore power—third time this season and I'm done guessing. New batteries, good connections, power was working fine for days then died completely. Voltmeter shows 12.69V on chassis, 4.7V on house batteries at the BIM.

What's the proper troubleshooting sequence for house batteries not charging on shore power? Need to check converter, breakers, and connections but want to do this systematically. …more

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Plumbing Medium 30 min 85 👍 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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Appliances Medium 90 minutes 81 👍 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 Easy 30 minutes 80 👍 0

How to Winterize RV Residential Fridge Water Filter: Remove vs Bypass

Before winterizing, my RV's residential fridge started making bizarre gurgling sounds from the water filter area that I've never heard before. I had my motorhome winterized professionally, but when I checked afterwards, I noticed they left the water filter in place instead of removing it or installing a bypass plug.

Is this the correct procedure, or should the filter have been removed? I'm worried about potential damage from antifreeze or freezing, but I don't want to second-guess the professionals if this is normal. What's the proper way to handle the water filter during winterization? …more

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Plumbing Easy N/A 80 👍 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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Propane Medium 1-2 hours 79 👍 0

How to Fix Atwood Water Heater Mixing Valve 90029 Leak - Step-by-Step

Nobody can explain why my pressure gauge reads 150 PSI at the Atwood 90029 mixing valve when every manual says it should max out at 125 PSI. My Atwood water heater has been sitting unused for about 8 months, and now I've discovered the mixing valve (part #90029) has developed a slow drip.

I'm wondering if this is something I can fix myself or if I need to replace the whole valve? I've heard something about O-rings going bad during storage, but I'm not sure if it's worth trying to rebuild it or just bite the bullet and get a new one. Any advice on the best approach would be really appreciated! …more

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Best RV Solar Panel Kits

4.5 (12,700 reviews)

Plumbing Easy 30 minutes each use 76 👍 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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Propane Medium 2-3 hours for inspection and potential repairs 72 👍 0

Water Heater Hot When Empty - No Safety Protection Issue

Finally asking what's probably a dumb question, but why is my RV water heater getting scorching hot even when it's completely empty? After 10+ years of RV ownership, I somehow managed to leave my water heater running while empty and connected to shore power. When I opened the access panel today, that sucker was HOT.

I'm honestly amazed I haven't burned anything down yet - or at least fried the heating element. I always assumed there was some kind of built-in safety feature that would shut things down if the tank went dry, but apparently my water heater didn't get that memo.

So here's my slightly embarrassing question: Do most RV water heaters actually have dry-fire protection, or am I supposed to rely on my apparently non-existent common sense? And more importantly, what can I do to prevent my future self from making this same bone-headed mistake again? …more

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General Medium 2-4 hours 54 👍 0

RecPro Fake Leather Sofa Repair vs Replace Guide

Standing here staring at my cracking 70-inch RecPro Charleston faux leather sofa in my Newmar, wondering how their manual claims 7-10 years when mine's failing at four. We're not full-timers - maybe 4-5 weekend trips per year max, so this thing has barely been used. Now the fake leather is flaking off everywhere and seams are splitting open. RecPro wants $500 just for a replacement end section, which seems crazy expensive for furniture that's falling apart this quickly with such light use. Is there any way to fix this myself or should I just cut my losses? Really disappointed since we barely used the thing and expected it to last way longer than this. Any advice on whether these RecPro pieces are worth investing repair money into or if I should just look for something else? …more

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Plumbing Easy 30 minutes 33 👍 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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