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How to Replace RV Slide Topper Fabric: Complete DIY Guide 2024
Exterior Medium 2-3 hours 214 👍 1

How to Replace RV Slide Topper Fabric: Complete DIY Guide 2024

I pulled into three different campsites this month and my torn slide topper is eating through my gear faster than I can replace it. I've never done anything like this before and I'm worried I might damage the whole mechanism or make things worse.

Can I actually replace just the fabric portion safely, or should I bite the bullet and have the entire assembly replaced by a professional? I'm also concerned about costs - I'm hoping this won't break the bank. If it is something I can do myself, how difficult is it really? I don't want to get in over my head and end up with a bigger problem than I started with.

Can you help me understand the best approach for my specific situation? …more
RV Awning Won't Extend or Retract: Complete Troubleshooting & Repair Guide
Exterior Medium 45 minutes 146 👍

RV Awning Won't Extend or Retract: Complete Troubleshooting & Repair Guide

This power awning manual says hold the extend button for 3 seconds, but mine's completely dead and won't budge no matter how long I hold it. When I hit the extend button, it moves out maybe 6-8 inches and then immediately retracts on its own. I have to turn the power switch off and back on each time to get even that little bit of movement.

I'm hesitant to keep forcing it since I don't want to burn out the motor or make whatever's wrong even worse. Could this be an electrical issue with low voltage, or maybe the tracks are too dirty? I've also heard about limit switches causing problems but I'm not sure how to check those safely.

What are the most common causes when an awning does this short extend-then-retract cycle? I want to start with the safest troubleshooting steps before calling a repair shop. …more
How to Replace RV Residential Refrigerator Mounting Brackets: Step-by-
Ac Refrigeration Medium 2-3 hours 143 👍

How to Replace RV Residential Refrigerator Mounting Brackets: Step-by-

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
How to Find Discontinued Generac 75D Coolant Hose C4845 for 2003 Newmar Dutch Star RV
Engine Medium 1-2 hours research 136 👍

How to Find Discontinued Generac 75D Coolant Hose C4845 for 2003 Newmar Dutch Star RV

Generac generator in my 2003 Dutch Star needs a specific coolant hose — part number C4845 — and it's been discontinued everywhere I look. Called six RV parts suppliers and checked every online dealer. Need to find a compatible replacement before this thing overheats on our summer trip. …more
Dometic 8300 Series Awning Torsion Assembly Replacement Guide (834AV44
Exterior Medium 2-3 hours 132 👍

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
How to Replace Atwood Levelegs Control System with GAMA Electronics RF340-4PR Controller
Slideouts Medium 4-6 hours 131 👍

How to Replace Atwood Levelegs Control System with GAMA Electronics RF340-4PR Controller

Noticed my Tiffin Allegro Bay's Atwood Levelegs control pad has a completely blank display, won't respond to any commands, AND all the leveling jacks are totally dead. I'm looking at expensive repair options - around $400 for repair service or $3000+ for a complete Bigfoot replacement system.

I researched alternatives and found the GAMA Electronics RF340-4PR-ASL controller with HP4PR-ASL handheld pendant, which cost around $235 shipped. I customized the solution by 3D printing a switch panel with 4 DPST on/off switches and a momentary DPDT switch for jack control.

Is this type of aftermarket replacement reliable and compatible with existing Atwood jacks and wiring? I want something I can easily troubleshoot and maintain. …more

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How to Fix RV Slide Out Topper Awning Problems: Common Issues and Solutions for Smooth Operation
General Medium Varies by issue 130 👍

How to Fix RV Slide Out Topper Awning Problems: Common Issues and Solutions for Smooth Operation

Before buying our first RV, I never even knew slide topper awnings existed, and now ours is acting up and I'm completely lost. We're having all three slide toppers professionally replaced next week, but I'm honestly worried we'll end up with the same problems all over again if they're not installed properly.

I've been reading horror stories about misaligned toppers, wrong spring tension, and fabric bunching up during slide operation. Since this is costing us a pretty penny, I really need to know what specific things I should insist the installer check and test before they leave. What are the critical adjustments that need to be made during installation to prevent these common topper problems from happening again? …more
Carefree RV Awning Spring and Arm Replacement Guide - Model Compatibility Tips
Exterior Hard Varies 129 👍

Carefree RV Awning Spring and Arm Replacement Guide - Model Compatibility Tips

According to my mechanic, fixing my 18-foot Carefree of Colorado awning's busted spring mechanism will cost $800, but I'm wondering if I can tackle this myself since there's zero tension left. Along with that, one of the support arms that helps transition the awning from travel position to deployed position is also damaged and needs replacement.

Before I start ordering parts or calling repair shops, I'm trying to understand how Carefree's replacement parts work. Are their springs and support arms universal components that work across different awning sizes and models, or does Carefree use proprietary parts that are specific to each awning series? I've been browsing their website but the parts compatibility information isn't very clear about what fits what.

I'd really appreciate any guidance on part compatibility and whether this is something I should tackle myself or leave to a professional. The spring replacement in particular seems like it might be tricky given the tension involved. …more
How to Replace a Broken RV Front Shock Mount - Part ID Guide
General Hard 3-4 hours 127 👍

How to Replace a Broken RV Front Shock Mount - Part ID Guide

Tried to avoid a costly repair by checking first — would my RV's front shock mount bracket failure where the shock absorber connects to the chassis be covered under warranty? The bracket appears to be chassis-specific hardware, but I'm unable to locate the correct part number through standard parts diagrams - it shows as a grayed-out component without identification in the technical documentation I've found.

What is the proper procedure for identifying and sourcing this type of suspension mounting hardware? The bracket sits adjacent to part 3A010 in the assembly and appears to be a critical structural component for proper shock absorber attachment. …more
How to Replace Your RV Door Awning Motor Cap: Step-by-Step Guide
Exterior Easy 15 minutes 125 👍

How to Replace Your RV Door Awning Motor Cap: Step-by-Step Guide

I tried getting answers about my RV sideswipe damage but my insurance adjuster says it's totaled, three body shops say fixable, and forums are completely split. The coward took off at the highway exit before I could get his plates. Damage is to the bay doors and right front corner cap area - looks pretty ugly but the RV is still drivable. Police never showed up despite multiple calls over 4 hours of waiting. Already filed with insurance and sent photos, but I'm wondering what I should be looking for beyond the obvious visible damage. This is my first accident in 8 years of RVing and I'm stressed about hidden issues I might miss. Any advice on what to inspect or document before the adjuster comes out? …more
F53 V10 Water Ingestion Fix When Ford Parts Discontinued
Engine Medium 2-4 hours for custom fabrication 123 👍

F53 V10 Water Ingestion Fix When Ford Parts Discontinued

Our '99 F53 chassis with the V10 engine hasn't run right ever since we got caught in that torrential downpour last month and now we're dealing with water ingestion issues. I've experienced hydro-lock issues in severe downpours, and I know Ford issued Technical Service Bulletin 04-24-22 specifically addressing this air intake design flaw on the '99 to '04 F53 models. The TSB called for replacing the air intake horn and modifying the intake strap to prevent water from being sucked into the engine during heavy rain conditions.

The problem is that when I contacted my Ford dealer, they told me the critical air intake horn part specified in TSB 04-24-22 has been discontinued and is no longer available. The modified strap is still available, but without the new intake horn design, I'm still vulnerable to water ingestion during storms. With extensive travel plans ahead where I'll likely encounter severe weather, I need a reliable solution to protect my engine from hydro-lock.

What are my options for addressing the F53 V10 water ingestion problem when the original Ford TSB parts are no longer available? Are there aftermarket solutions or modifications that other F53 owners have successfully implemented to solve this issue? …more
RV Awning Repair vs Replacement: When to Fix Torn Fabric
Exterior Medium 2-4 hours 120 👍

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
How to Fix Peeling RV Seat Upholstery: Repair Options & Costs
General Easy Varies by solution 119 👍

How to Fix Peeling RV Seat Upholstery: Repair Options & Costs

Last time I looked at my 2013 Georgetown 335DS front seats there's faux leather flaking off everywhere like the outer layer is just disintegrating. I've tried conditioning treatments but nothing seems to help.

I'm hoping this isn't going to be a huge expense, but I need to know my realistic options here. Should I expect any warranty coverage on something like this, or am I on my own? I've heard about seat covers, reupholstery, or maybe even replacing the whole seats, but I have no idea what any of this costs or what makes the most sense.

What's causing this deterioration in the first place, and what are people actually doing to fix it? I need real solutions with honest cost expectations - this RV is otherwise perfect and I don't want crumbling seats ruining the whole experience. …more

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RV Awning Water Damage: Complete Repair vs Replace Guide (2024)
Exterior Medium 2-4 hours 118 👍

RV Awning Water Damage: Complete Repair vs Replace Guide (2024)

Tried getting quotes for my water-damaged RV awning and the $800 replacement estimate has me wondering if I can tackle this repair myself instead. Water pooled on it during a light rain because I had the angle wrong, and now something seems to be wrong with the spring mechanism - it's not retracting properly anymore.

I'm afraid to mess with it further without knowing what I'm dealing with. How can I safely assess whether the fabric, spring, or roller tube is damaged? I need to know if this is something I can repair or if I'm looking at a complete replacement. I don't want to make things worse by trying the wrong approach. …more
Carefree HD Awning Stabilizer Review: Box Awning Install
Exterior Medium 45 minutes 117 👍

Carefree HD Awning Stabilizer Review: Box Awning Install

Between the wind gusts hitting camp right now, I can see my box awning doing this wild flapping dance that's making me nervous. The Carefree HD Awning Stabilizer appears to be designed specifically for this application, but I need technical assessment of its actual performance characteristics.

Primary concerns are bounce reduction effectiveness, compatibility across different box awning manufacturers, and installation complexity for self-service repair. Wind stability is the critical performance metric - current setup shows significant sway at wind speeds above 10-15 mph.

Looking for factual analysis of this stabilizer's capabilities on box awning configurations, particularly regarding installation requirements and real-world wind resistance improvements. …more
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