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RV Flat Tire on Highway: Emergency Steps & Specialized Roadside Service Tips
Chassis Medium Varies 191 👍 1

RV Flat Tire on Highway: Emergency Steps & Specialized Roadside Service Tips

Every highway mile seems to be eating through my Tiffin Allegro motorhome tires way faster than it should, especially after that brutal double blowout on the back axle. When this happened to us, we found that regular AAA and typical roadside assistance don't always help with RVs. We were stranded and eventually had to use a service called Driving Solutions, who charged us $1600 for used tires after eight hours of waiting.

What's the proper procedure if this happens? Should I try to move to a safer location first, or stop immediately? Who should I call for help - are there specialized services that handle RV tires? I want to be prepared with the right contacts and know the safe steps to take, because I imagine regular tow trucks and tire services might not have the equipment or expertise to handle a large motorhome tire emergency on the interstate. …more
RV Water Heater Pilot Light Won't Stay Lit: Thermocouple Troubleshooting Guide
Propane Medium 30 minutes 166 👍 2

RV Water Heater Pilot Light Won't Stay Lit: Thermocouple Troubleshooting Guide

Three different RV shops quoted me $400+ to fix my Suburban water heater's pilot light that won't stay lit and I'm wondering if I can tackle this thermocouple issue myself. the pilot lights up just fine, but the second I let go of that button it dies. I can hold it down for like a minute and think I've got it, but nope - releases and it's gone.

I'm wondering if this is one of those thermocouple things I keep hearing about? Like, is that the little sensor thingy that's supposed to keep the gas flowing when there's a flame? Pretty sure that's what's acting up but want to make sure before I start messing with it. …more
RV LP Gas Detector False Alarms: Complete Troubleshooting Guide
Propane Easy 30 min 163 👍

RV LP Gas Detector False Alarms: Complete Troubleshooting Guide

Already tried everything but my RV's LP gas detector has false alarms in the garage, keeps beeping at random times, AND won't reset properly. Even with the LP tank completely shut off, the alarm still goes off within hours. It's located in the bottom of the fridge cabinet.

I've checked everywhere for actual leaks - can't smell anything, and all my appliances still light immediately when I take the RV out. The detector seems fine outside but becomes a nightmare indoors. I'm wondering if it's the sensor going bad, poor placement, or if there are other things that can trigger these detectors besides actual propane leaks?

I really need a complete breakdown of what causes these false alarms and how to fix this issue once and for all. Should I be looking at replacing the detector entirely, or are there troubleshooting steps I'm missing? …more
How to Fix RV Garage Door Delamination: Complete Repair Guide 2024
Exterior Hard 2-4 hours 162 👍

How to Fix RV Garage Door Delamination: Complete Repair Guide 2024

Finally facing the inevitable with my 1994 Fleetwood Jamboree Rallye garage doors that are 30 years old and completely delaminating at the seams — repair or replace? The extruded aluminum frame corners that are supposed to be screwed together are failing because the screws keep breaking under stress. What started as minor separation has now progressed to the point where the structural integrity of the entire door system is compromised.

I've noticed that not only are the corner joints failing, but the door panels themselves seem to be separating from their backing material, and the weather seals around the perimeter are starting to pull away as well. The doors don't close properly anymore, leaving gaps that let in water and debris. I'm concerned about further damage to the garage area and contents if I don't address this comprehensively.

I need a complete repair approach that addresses the delamination issue, reinforces the structural components, and replaces the failing seals. Simply adding corner braces feels like a band-aid solution, and I'm worried about drilling out the broken screws without causing more damage to the aluminum frame. What's the proper way to tackle this type of comprehensive garage door repair on an older RV? …more
RV Solar Panel Z Bracket Installation: Drill vs Adhesive Mounting Guide
Solar Batteries Medium 2-3 hours 148 👍

RV Solar Panel Z Bracket Installation: Drill vs Adhesive Mounting Guide

Ready to mount solar panels on the roof but torn between drilling through the fiberglass with Z-brackets or using VHB tape adhesive mounts. Terrified of roof leaks from drill holes but also worried the adhesive won't hold at highway speeds. Which mounting method actually holds up long term? …more
Dometic R31 Stove Review + Gas Pressure Test Guide
Appliances Medium 3-4 hours 143 👍

Dometic R31 Stove Review + Gas Pressure Test Guide

Walked into my RV this morning to find my Dometic R31 stove flames randomly dying again - probably a dumb question, but is this normal? I've been looking at the Dometic R31 as a potential replacement, but I want to make sure I'm making the right choice before spending the money.

What's really concerning me is this gas pressure test mentioned in the installation manual. It talks about connecting some kind of gauge to a test port on the regulator, but doesn't specify what type of gauge or what pressure readings I should expect. I'm pretty handy with basic repairs, but gas systems make me nervous and I want to do this safely. Has anyone actually done this test, and is the R31 reliable enough to justify the upgrade from my problematic Wedgewood? …more

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How to Fix RV Refrigerator Door That Won't Stay Closed - 5 Best Latch
Ac Refrigeration Easy 45 minutes 139 👍

How to Fix RV Refrigerator Door That Won't Stay Closed - 5 Best Latch

RV fridge door swings open every time we hit a curve or a bump in the road. Already lost a shelf full of groceries on the highway. The magnetic latch barely holds and the aftermarket ones I've looked at all have mixed reviews. What actually keeps these doors shut while driving? …more
How to Calibrate Camplux RV Oven Temperature: Step-by-Step Adjustment Guide
Appliances Easy 30 minutes 123 👍

How to Calibrate Camplux RV Oven Temperature: Step-by-Step Adjustment Guide

Around day three of owning this new Camplux oven, I'm wondering — before I start tearing into the temperature calibration would this work be covered under warranty? I'm having trouble with the temperature being way off - I have to set it 50 degrees higher than what I actually want to get the right cooking temperature.

I think I remember seeing somewhere that there might be some kind of adjustment screw behind the temperature knob? I'm not totally sure how this works or if it's even possible to fix myself. Has anyone dealt with this before? I'd really appreciate some guidance on whether this is something I can adjust or if I need to call a repair person. …more
Ford E350 Dually Wheel Center Hole Size Guide: Front vs Rear Differences Explained
Chassis Easy 30 minutes 122 👍

Ford E350 Dually Wheel Center Hole Size Guide: Front vs Rear Differences Explained

According to my mechanic, my Ford E350 dually has mismatched wheel fitments, center holes that don't align properly, AND different sizing between front and rear wheels all at once. I have a 2001 Ford E350 Class C motorhome with dual rear wheels, and I desperately need to get a spare tire sorted out.

I found what I thought was the perfect rim - same bolt pattern as my existing wheels - but when I got home and really looked at it, the center hole is noticeably smaller than the ones currently on my RV. I've been assuming all six rims on a dually setup would be identical, but now I'm second-guessing everything.

Could it be that Ford actually uses different center hole sizes between the front wheels and rear dually wheels on the E350? I'm really hoping someone can clarify this because I need to know if I bought the wrong type of rim or if there's something else I'm missing here. …more
Onan 4000 Generator Won't Start Without Choke: Code 14 Troubleshooting Guide
Engine Medium 2-4 hours 121 👍

Onan 4000 Generator Won't Start Without Choke: Code 14 Troubleshooting Guide

Halfway through another camping trip and trying to decide between babying my Onan 4000 with manual choke every startup or finally fixing this Code 14 nightmare. Let me try again:

Just found out that my 2013 Thor Class C's Onan 4000 generator won't cooperate after sitting since March, and I'm dealing with a nightmare. Been getting Code 14 errors and spent half the morning just trying to get it fired up.

The only way I can get it started is by manually messing with what I think is the choke linkage - otherwise it just won't go. Once I shut it off, same story - won't restart unless I physically manipulate that linkage again. Only has 240 hours on it and was serviced about 2 years ago.

I'm pretty sure the carburetor is gummed up from sitting, but what exactly does Code 14 mean? And more importantly, what do I need to clean to get that choke working automatically again? I really need to get this thing running properly before our next trip! …more
Atwood GC6AA-10E Replacement Guide: Compatible Water Heaters & Installation Tips
Plumbing Medium 3-4 hours 115 👍

Atwood GC6AA-10E Replacement Guide: Compatible Water Heaters & Installation Tips

Atwood GC6AA-10E water heater finally died after 18 years and I need a direct replacement that'll bolt right into the same cutout without modifications. Every RV parts site shows different "compatible" models and I'm not confident any of them actually fit. What drops right in? …more
How to Diagnose RV Hard Starting Problems: Fuel System Troubleshooting Guide
Engine Medium 1 hour 112 👍

How to Diagnose RV Hard Starting Problems: Fuel System Troubleshooting Guide

RV cranks for 10-15 seconds before finally firing up, and it's getting worse each week. Used to start on the first crank every time. Fuel pressure seems low at the rail but I'm not sure if it's the pump, filter, injectors, or something else entirely in the fuel system. …more
How to Fix Atwood Water Heater Mixing Valve 90029 Leak - Step-by-Step
Propane Medium 1-2 hours 107 👍

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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Dometic RM2453 Ignition System: DSI vs Pilot Light Truth Revealed
Appliances Easy N/A 107 👍

Dometic RM2453 Ignition System: DSI vs Pilot Light Truth Revealed

Spent three hours yesterday trying to figure out if my 2001 truck camper's Dometic RM2453 uses DSI or pilot light ignition and I'm still completely lost. I've been trying to light what I thought was a pilot light, but I'm having issues with it staying lit and producing adequate heat for cooling. The flame seems very low and blows out easily, even though my thermocouple is reading over 20mv which should be sufficient.

After doing some research, I'm now questioning whether this model even uses a traditional pilot light system. I notice there's no wire going to the gas valve for electronic activation, and the only control appears to be the eyebrow board on top. Some sources suggest these units use DSI (direct spark ignition) instead of a standing pilot.

Can someone clarify definitively whether the Dometic RM2453 uses a pilot light system or DSI ignition? Also, does this model have variable burner output stages, or is it just a single on/off operation? Understanding the correct ignition system will help me focus my troubleshooting efforts in the right direction rather than chasing a pilot light that may not even exist on this model. …more
RV Tankless Water Heater Problems at High Altitude: Performance & Efficiency Guide
Propane Easy N/A - informational 106 👍

RV Tankless Water Heater Problems at High Altitude: Performance & Efficiency Guide

Already followed my RV tankless water heater manual's high altitude instructions, but I'm still getting terrible performance and efficiency issues at mountain campgrounds between 5,000 and 8,000 feet. My travel trailer came equipped with a tankless on-demand water heater from the factory, and I'm concerned about how it will perform at these higher altitudes.

I've heard that propane appliances can have issues with combustion efficiency when there's less oxygen available in the thin mountain air. Specifically, I'm wondering about quantifiable performance losses - like what percentage of heating capacity I might lose per thousand feet of elevation gain. I'm also concerned about potential operational problems like flame failure or the unit shutting down completely at certain altitudes.

For context, most of my regular camping is done below 2,000 feet where the water heater works fine, but these upcoming mountain trips will be well above 4,500 feet elevation. Should I be worried about the tankless system's reliability at these altitudes, or am I overthinking this? Would I be better off considering a replacement with a traditional tank-style water heater if I plan to do more high-altitude camping in the future? …more
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