Results for "cleaning"

Exterior Medium 3-4 days (includes curing time) 297 👍 1

DIY RV Basement Door Paint Repair: Complete Guide & Cost Analysis

Despite protecting my RV all winter, those brutal summer months have absolutely destroyed the paint on my four basement doors and rear wheel area across 2' x 20', leaving me staring at a $5,000-6,500 shop estimate versus DIY with my compressor. I've never done automotive paint work before. Could I really achieve decent results for under $500 like I keep reading online? I'm concerned about proper paint matching, whether I'll damage the surface during prep, and if I choose the wrong spray gun or technique.

Has anyone successfully tackled RV exterior panel paint repair as a DIY project? I need reassurance that this is actually doable without professional training, and guidance on the complete process from start to finish. …more

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Electrical Medium 2-6 hours 295 👍 1

ECM Low Battery Warning RV: Complete Diagnosis & Fix Guide

During a family trip, my 2005 Fleetwood Discovery 39S threw code 168-1 for low ECM battery voltage and went into full shutdown mode—is this dangerous with kids onboard? Engine cut out, transmission selector went dark, ABS warnings everywhere - the whole nine yards. Scared the heck out of me when it happened on the interstate!

I'm seeing this seems to be a thing with these diesel pushers, but I'm drowning in conflicting info online. Some say it's the chassis battery, others blame alternator issues, and I've even seen posts about ECM power supply problems on the Caterpillar engines. What's the actual step-by-step process to track this down? And more importantly, how do I fix it so it doesn't leave me stranded again? Really need a complete walkthrough of what causes this code and the proper repair approach. …more

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Exterior Hard 2-8 hours for temporary fix, 1-5 days for permanen 290 👍 1

RV Sidewall Blistering & Delamination Repair Guide 2024

According to three different RV shops, fixing my bubbling sidewall delamination will cost thousands, but I'm wondering if tackling this DIY repair myself is actually feasible. My 2004 Itasca Sunova has decided to sprout some lovely blisters on the right sidewall - two beauties that are about 12-14 inches long and 3-4 inches wide, running vertically right behind the awning arm. Perfect timing since we're currently on the road living our best RV life!

I'm pretty sure water snuck in somewhere (probably from the roof rail or that shower skylight we never use), and now my RV looks like it's got chicken pox. Since we can't exactly pull into the nearest RV surgeon's office, I need to know: what can I do right now to stop this from getting worse, and what's involved in actually fixing this mess properly? I'm hoping there's some kind of emergency containment plan that doesn't involve duct tape and prayers! …more

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Product Ranking 8 compared

Best RV Water Heaters

4.4 (6,800 reviews)

Plumbing Easy 10 minutes 230 👍 0

Camco Rhino Sewer Hose Adapter Pro: Complete Review & Installation Guide for RV Owners

Noticed my 2018 Forest River Cherokee's cheap sewer hose adapter keeps leaking at the connection no matter how tight I make it. The Camco Rhino Sewer Hose Adapter Pro claims it works on both threaded and non-threaded outlets with some kind of clamp system, but I'm worried about spending money on something that might not actually work reliably.

Has anyone actually used this adapter successfully? I'm particularly concerned about whether the clamp system really creates a leak-resistant seal, and if it truly eliminates the need to carry multiple adapters. My RV has a non-threaded outlet and I've had nothing but problems with adapters that don't fit securely or leak during dumping. …more

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Engine Hard 2-3 hours for diagnosis 208 👍 0

1999 F53 V10 Oil in Coolant: Complete Head Gasket Diagnosis & Repair Guide

Called three dealerships about warranty coverage for oil contamination in my 1999 Ford F53 V10's coolant system — before I tackle this head gasket nightmare myself. The unit overheated after the oil level dropped significantly, though it still starts and runs without throwing any codes.

Based on the symptoms, I suspect a blown head gasket, but I want to perform proper diagnostic testing before committing to a major repair. What specific diagnostic procedures should I run to confirm whether this is actually a head gasket failure versus other potential causes like a cracked head or block issue?

Looking for a systematic approach to pinpoint the exact problem before I start tearing into this engine. …more

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Electrical Medium 1-2 hours 197 👍 0

How to Repair a Hole in RV Grey Water Tank

Tried marine epoxy on my old Class A's tank and it worked perfectly — but now I've drilled a 1 inch hole in my ABS grey water tank while running battery cables. The hole is in an awkward spot near the rear wheel vault with thick metal bars and beams, making repairs challenging.

What's the best way to repair this? I've prepared a patch by flattening and heat forming a pipe section, beveling edges and scouring surfaces for a strong mechanical bond. Should I cement the ABS patch and then cover with fiberglass, or are there other recommended repair methods? I want to ensure a durable fix for this tricky tank damage. …more

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Exterior Medium 30-60 min 196 👍 1

Kwikee RV Steps Not Working? Complete Troubleshooting Guide (2024)

Apparently we're leaving for a three-week cross-country trip next Monday and my Kwikee electric RV steps are still having intermittent retraction issues even after replacing both the gear box and motor. My steps are exhibiting intermittent retraction issues - they extend normally but require manual assistance to retract fully, stopping approximately a quarter inch through the cycle without intervention. I've already installed a new gear box and motor, yet the problem persists.

What systematic diagnostic approach should I follow to identify the root cause? I need to understand the complete troubleshooting sequence for motor functionality, electrical switch operation, and mechanical linkage components. Are there specific voltage measurements, resistance checks, or mechanical adjustments that should be performed to isolate whether this is an electrical or mechanical failure?

Thanks,
Pete …more

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Plumbing Medium 1-2 hours 196 👍 0

RV Grey Water Tank Clogged? 7 Proven Solutions to Clear Blockages Fast

Found out my RV service tech wants $800+ to replace the entire grey water system on my 2007 RV for an intermittent blockage that seems fixable. It doesn't seem to matter if we're level or not - it's completely random.

I've tried using a high suction shop vac and even attempted snaking it, but I'm nervous about forcing things and making the problem worse. I suspect it might be a manufacturing plug that fell into the tank, but I'm not sure. I found one solution with a reverse flush valve that seems to work temporarily, but I'm concerned about the underlying cause.

What are the safest and most proven methods to diagnose and fix these random grey water blockages? I don't want to damage the tank or create bigger problems, but this unpredictable draining is driving me crazy. Are there specific cleaning products or techniques that actually work without risking harm to the system? …more

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Ac Refrigeration Medium 45 minutes 191 👍 0

Dometic 12V Refrigerator Not Cooling on Battery Power - Complete Troubleshooting Guide

Staring at my Dometic DMC compressor refrigerator that runs perfectly on 12V DC when it's cool but stops cooling completely once temperatures hit 85°F or higher. The unit works perfectly when I'm plugged into shore power at campgrounds - everything stays cold and the freezer compartment keeps items frozen solid. However, when I'm boondocking and running solely on my RV's battery bank, the performance drops significantly. The refrigerator struggles to maintain proper temperatures, and the freezer can't keep things frozen.

I have a relatively new battery setup with what should be adequate capacity for my power needs. The batteries test fine with a multimeter when the refrigerator isn't running, but I'm wondering if there's something I'm missing about power requirements or electrical connections. I've heard that 12V compressor refrigerators can be pretty demanding on battery systems, but I'm not sure what specific issues to look for.

What are the most common causes when a 12V Dometic compressor refrigerator works fine on shore power but fails to cool properly when running on batteries? I want to troubleshoot this systematically before calling in a technician. …more

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Electrical Medium 30-90 min 190 👍 0

No 12 Volt Power in RV: Complete Troubleshooting Guide

Turned the key and nothing works on 12 volt — no lights, no water pump, no slides. Batteries show 12.6 volts on the multimeter so they're fully charged. House batteries seem fine but zero power is getting to any of the 12V circuits inside the coach. …more

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Electrical Medium 30 min read 182 👍 0

RV DC Electrical System: Expert Guide to 12 Volt Systems

Opened my RV this morning to find the 12V system going haywire — lights dimming randomly, fans slowing down, and the inverter shutting off despite full batteries.

Specifically, I need to understand the fundamentals of RV batteries - different types, proper sizing, charging requirements, and maintenance. I'm also confused about DC wiring best practices, what gauge wire to use for different applications, how to properly route and protect circuits, and where fuses and breakers should go. Voltage monitoring is another area where I'm lost - I see all these battery monitors and don't know what I actually need or how to interpret the readings.

I'm also planning some system upgrades down the road like adding solar or upgrading to lithium batteries, so I'd love to understand how all these components work together and what I need to consider for future modifications. Is there a comprehensive resource that covers all aspects of RV DC electrical systems from batteries and wiring through monitoring and upgrades? …more

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Product Ranking 8 compared

Best RV Surge Protectors

4.6 (14,200 reviews)

Ac Refrigeration Easy 30 minutes 177 👍 0

RV AC Freezing Up? Fix Ice on Coils in 5 Steps

Turned on my RV's AC as a total newbie and watched it run perfectly for an hour before becoming a frozen disaster that won't cool. I can literally see ice building up on the coils, and then it's game over until everything thaws out.

This has happened a few times now and I'm getting tired of sitting in a hot RV waiting for the thing to defrost. What actually causes AC units to freeze up like this? And more importantly, how do I stop it from happening again? I'm guessing it's something simple I'm missing, but I'd rather fix it right than keep dealing with this cycle. …more

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Ac Refrigeration Medium 2-3 hours 177 👍 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 1-2 hours 176 👍 0

Xantrex Freedom X 1200 Inverter Low Battery Warning: Critical 11.2V Fix Guide

Walked into my new RV and discovered the previous owner left the Xantrex Freedom X 1200 inverter constantly throwing critical 11.2V low battery warnings. My Xantrex Freedom X 1200 inverter is displaying warning indicators on the panel, and I'm seeing some concerning voltage readings that have me worried about potential damage to my electrical system.

Here's the complete situation: My house battery is reading 11.2 volts, while the chassis battery shows 13.1 volts. The inverter panel is lit up with what I assume are low voltage warnings. I've been noticing the interior lights dimming significantly, especially when trying to run any appliances through the inverter. To make matters worse, it's currently overcast and getting dark, so my solar panels aren't generating any meaningful charge to help recover the battery.

I'm particularly concerned because I know lead-acid batteries can be permanently damaged if they're discharged too deeply. The voltage reading of 11.2V seems critically low to me, but I want to understand exactly how urgent this situation is and what my immediate next steps should be. Should I be looking at shore power connection, generator use, or is there something wrong with my charging system that caused this in the first place? I need to know both the immediate fix and what might have caused this failure. …more

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General Easy 30 min maintenance 175 👍 0

RV Slide-Out Maintenance: Complete Guide to Prevent Wear and Extend Lifespan

Before I even finish extending my 2018 Newmar 2702 slide-out, there's this grinding vibration that kicks in during the final positioning phase every single time. The motor works hardest during that last foot of travel when the slide settles into place.

This observation has me questioning optimal maintenance protocols for slide-out longevity. What are the most effective strategies for reducing mechanical wear on these systems? I'm particularly interested in understanding proper usage frequency, seal maintenance requirements, and whether partial extension during routine tasks like cleaning provides any protective benefits.

Looking for comprehensive guidance on preventive maintenance practices, lubrication schedules, and storage considerations that will maximize slide-out system lifespan while minimizing premature component failure. …more

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