Popular New Guides Product Guides Tools Checklists My Rig

Results for "damage assessment"

787+ Q&A Updated Weekly Free
Ford V10 Triton Engine Maintenance Guide: EGR Delete vs Regular Service Tips
Engine Easy N/A 1,662 👍

Ford V10 Triton Engine Maintenance Guide: EGR Delete vs Regular Service Tips

Spent years doing regular EGR maintenance on my old gas motorhome without issues — but this 2007 Fleetwood 31' Tioga with Ford V10 Triton has me second-guessing everything. I keep reading conflicting information about EGR delete procedures on V10 engines, and I'm worried I might make things worse if I mess with it.

Is the EGR delete modification actually necessary on this 2007 3-valve V10, or am I overthinking this? I don't want to void any warranties or create problems that weren't there before. Would I be better off just sticking to regular maintenance instead of modifications? I'm looking for reassurance that I'm taking the right approach to keep this engine running reliably for years to come. …more
How to Reduce RV Interior Noise: Complete Sound Dampening Guide for Motorhomes
General Medium 4-8 hours 482 👍

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
Dometic 310 Toilet Leaking at Foot Pedal: Complete Fix Guide
Plumbing Medium 2-3 hours 423 👍 1

Dometic 310 Toilet Leaking at Foot Pedal: Complete Fix Guide

Called my weekend camping trip short because my Dometic 310 toilet has water pooling underneath, the flush mechanism sticking, AND that annoying gurgling sound happening constantly. I can see the leak between the fixed outer part and the moving pivot section when the pedal is pressed.

Already replaced the toilet valve but it's still leaking from the same spot. The inlet and outlet hoses look fine. What causes leaks at the pedal mechanism itself after the valve has been changed? …more
RV Shore Power Not Working: Complete Troubleshooting Guide
Electrical Medium 45 minutes 349 👍

RV Shore Power Not Working: Complete Troubleshooting Guide

Plugged into shore power at the campground last night and absolutely nothing happened — no lights, no AC, nothing. Breaker on the pedestal looks fine and my neighbor's rig is running perfectly on the same circuit. Starting to wonder if something fried inside the transfer switch. …more
Fix Cracked Dometic RV AC Covers & Roof Vents
Exterior Medium 2-4 hours 314 👍

Fix Cracked Dometic RV AC Covers & Roof Vents

Already tried following a YouTube tutorial to fix the cracked Dometic air conditioner cover on my 2022 East to West 1900MMK travel trailer but somehow made the crack even worse. What are my repair options - can I fix the crack or should I replace the whole cover?

Also dealing with a broken cap on the roof tank vent. I'm curious about material choices - I've noticed galvanized steel can rust, while PVC seems to degrade in sunlight. What are the pros and cons of different vent cap materials? What's a reasonable price range for replacement?

Looking for practical solutions for both issues. …more
How to Fix RV Fresh Water Tank Leaks: Complete Diagnosis & Repair Guide
Plumbing Medium 1-4 hours 291 👍

How to Fix RV Fresh Water Tank Leaks: Complete Diagnosis & Repair Guide

Nobody warned me how tricky RV fresh water tank leaks could be — got my tools ready and determined to fix this dripping mess under my trailer myself. The dripping was pretty steady at first but seems to have slowed down overnight to just occasional drops. My tank gauge still shows full, so I don't think it's completely emptying out.

I can see there's an underbelly cover that would need to come down to access everything underneath, but I'm hoping maybe there are some easier spots I should check first? I'd rather not tackle removing panels if I don't have to - any guidance on where these leaks typically start would be really helpful, especially near the drain valve! …more

Still stuck on this repair?

Get a personalized answer from a verified RV mechanic. Describe your issue and get step-by-step help.

Chat with an RV Mechanic
27708 RV owners helped · Avg response under 5 min
RV Window Seal Leaking: Complete Repair Guide & Solutions
Exterior Medium 2-4 hours 270 👍

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
RV Whirlpool Fridge Cycling Every 30 Minutes: Normal?
Ac Refrigeration Easy 30 minutes 246 👍

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
Replace RV Residential Refrigerator Mounting Brackets
Ac Refrigeration Medium 2-3 hours 232 👍

Replace RV Residential Refrigerator Mounting Brackets

During this tight budget month, is there any way to replace the mounting brackets on my GE residential refrigerator for under $100? The bracket that secures the fridge broke (as shown in the attached picture) during our last trip, and now I'm worried about it shifting around while we're driving.

I've been searching everywhere online but I'm not having any luck finding the exact part. Are these brackets something universal that I can get from RV parts suppliers, or do I need to go directly through GE? I'm also wondering if there's a way to fabricate something myself if I can't find the original part.

Any guidance on where to look or what my options are would be hugely appreciated - we have a trip planned next month and really need to get this fixed! …more
Dometic 8300 Series Awning Torsion Assembly Replacement Guide (834AV44
Exterior Medium 2-3 hours 224 👍

Dometic 8300 Series Awning Torsion Assembly Replacement Guide (834AV44

Already burned through three Dometic 8300 torsion assemblies in six months and I'm hemorrhaging money as a new RV owner. The model number is 834AV44.138 and I'm not even sure what series this is - is it part of the 8300 series maybe?

The torsion assembly lever broke off and I can't seem to find exact replacement parts anywhere. I'm wondering if there are compatible parts from other Dometic awning models that would work with mine? I don't want to order the wrong thing and make the problem worse. Any guidance on finding the right replacement parts or temporary fixes would be really helpful! …more
RV Awning Repair vs Replacement: When to Fix Torn Fabric
Exterior Medium 2-4 hours 222 👍

RV Awning Repair vs Replacement: When to Fix Torn Fabric

Apparently my RV manual says to replace the entire awning when the fabric tears, but everyone online seems to just patch or swap the fabric instead. My 2020 motorhome's awning fabric has developed a few tears - some small ones that are maybe 4-5 inches, but also a couple larger rips. The fabric also feels kind of stiff and brittle in places, especially where it's been exposed to the most sun.

I'm trying to figure out if I should attempt repairs or just bite the bullet and replace the fabric entirely. The frame itself seems to be in decent shape, so I think I'd only need new fabric rather than a whole new awning system. I've seen repair tapes advertised but I'm not sure if they actually work or how long they last.

What's the general rule of thumb for when awning fabric can be repaired versus when replacement makes more sense? And if I do need to replace just the fabric, what should I expect to pay for something decent? Thanks for any advice - I really don't want to make the wrong choice here! …more
RV Hit-and-Run Damage Assessment & Repair Guide
Exterior Medium 2-3 hours 218 👍

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
Thor Ace Fiberglass Rear Cap: Repair and Maintenance Guide
General Medium 2-4 hours 216 👍

Thor Ace Fiberglass Rear Cap: Repair and Maintenance Guide

Halfway through my first RV ownership experience, Camping World dropped the bomb that my Thor Ace 29.2's rear cap has delamination and I'm completely clueless. The back doesn't feel like typical fiberglass - none of the other sides move like this. Is this movement normal for this RV model, or is it a sign of serious damage? …more

Need a second opinion?

Not sure if this applies to your rig? An RV technician can confirm the fix for your specific make and model.

Ask an RV Expert
27708 RV owners helped · Avg response under 5 min
Lippert Power Gear Slide Motor Replacement Guide
Slideouts Medium 2-4 hours 212 👍

Lippert Power Gear Slide Motor Replacement Guide

Walked out to prep our RV this morning and discovered our Lippert Power Gear slide motor is making grinding noises and won't extend properly. My RV's slide motor is failing and I'm trying to figure out the best way to get replacement parts. The slide is getting sluggish and I suspect it's either the motor brushes or possibly something in the gearbox itself.

I've been searching everywhere for Lippert Power Gear parts but I'm not sure where to look or what my options are. As it stands, the replacement parts are ridiculously expensive - a $100 gearbox, $50 brake, and $100 motor, but Lippert wants nearly $1000 for the whole assembly. I just want to replace the brushes, but they won't even sell those separately!

Can I buy just the motor component, or do I need to replace the entire gearbox assembly? I really need to know where I can actually purchase these parts and how to determine whether it's a motor issue or a gear problem before I spend a fortune on the wrong repair! …more
RV Water Crossing: How to Avoid Engine Damage and Recovery Steps
Engine Easy N/A 211 👍

RV Water Crossing: How to Avoid Engine Damage and Recovery Steps

Woke up to my Winnebago Ekko surrounded by floodwater above the wheel hubs, the engine is completely dead, AND there's moisture creeping into places it definitely shouldn't be. While I haven't noticed any unusual noises or driving behavior, I want to be proactive about potential water exposure damage.

I've checked that the oil isn't milky and brake fluid looks normal. However, I'm concerned about potential impacts on hubs, bearing grease, brake fluid, differential fluid, and transmission fluid from this water exposure.

Has anyone else with an Ekko experienced similar flooding and have recommendations for post-water exposure inspection? Am I being overly cautious about checking various components? I'm hoping to get some expert advice on what specific things I should examine to ensure no long-term damage occurred. …more
Robert, RV Mechanic
Ask an RV Mechanic Avg reply < 5 min

My Rig Settings

Hi, I'm Hank!
Need help setting up? I can walk you through it
Rig Info
Give it a name you'll recognize
Power & Electrical
Climate Control
Water System
Refrigerator Type
Leveling System
Convenience & Features
Sync across devices

Rig Saved to Cloud

Your sync code (use this to load your profile on another device):

Write this down! There is no way to recover it if you lose it and clear your browser.