How to Identify Unknown RV Parts: Complete Guide for Used RV Owners

The Rundown

I can see you've found some mystery items in your new-to-you diesel pusher, but I'm not able to see what specific items you're referring to in your question. Without being able to view the photo or description of these items, I can't give you a definitive identification. However, this is a very common situation for new RV owners - motorhomes come with all sorts of specialized parts, tools, and accessories that previous owners have collected over the years.

The most helpful thing would be if you could describe these items in more detail - their size (compared to that can you mentioned), color, material (plastic, metal, rubber), any markings or part numbers, and where exactly you found them in your DP. Common mystery items in diesel pushers include spare parts like valve caps, electrical connectors, plumbing fittings, or specialized tools for maintenance tasks.

Why It Happens

Previous RV owners often accumulate spare parts and specialty items over years of ownership, and these sometimes get left behind during a sale. Diesel pushers especially tend to have unique components that aren't found in regular vehicles - things like air brake system parts, engine compartment access tools, or specialized plumbing fittings for the various systems.

Many experienced RVers also carry backup parts for common failure points, or they might have started a repair project and left the parts behind. Some items might be aftermarket accessories or modifications that the previous owner installed. The location where you found these items can give us big clues about their purpose - engine compartment finds are usually mechanical parts, while items in storage bays might be plumbing or electrical components.

Gather These Items

To help identify your mystery items, you'll want to gather some information and tools:

• A good flashlight or headlamp for detailed examination
• Reading glasses or magnifying glass to check for part numbers or markings
• Camera or smartphone to take clear photos from multiple angles
• Measuring tape or ruler to document size and dimensions
• Your RV's manual and any documentation left by the previous owner
• Access to RV forums or the manufacturer's parts website for comparison

The Fix

Start by examining each item carefully for any markings, part numbers, or manufacturer stamps. Even small numbers or letters can help identify the purpose. Take clear photos from multiple angles and note the exact location where you found them. Check if the items appear new or used, and look for any obvious mounting points or connection methods.

Compare the items to your RV's systems - do they look like they belong to the plumbing, electrical, or mechanical systems? Check your owner's manual for exploded diagrams of various components. Post detailed photos and descriptions on RV forums like IRV2 or Reddit's RV community, where experienced owners can often identify mystery parts quickly.

If you can provide more specific details about these items - their approximate size, material, color, any markings, and where you found them - I'd be happy to give you a more targeted identification and explanation of their likely purpose in your diesel pusher.

Know Your Limits

Don't feel embarrassed about not knowing what these items are - even experienced RV technicians encounter mystery parts regularly, especially when working on different manufacturers and model years. The RV industry uses many specialized components that aren't familiar to general automotive mechanics.

If the items appear to be important mechanical or safety-related components, it's worth having them identified by a qualified RV service center. Some parts might be critical spares for systems like air brakes or engine components that you'll want to keep with the RV. When in doubt, store the items safely and label the container with where and when you found them - this information might prove valuable later during maintenance or repairs.

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