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RV Inverter Guide: Modified vs Pure Sine Wave - Safe Power
Solar Batteries Medium 4-6 hours for inverter replacement 326 👍 1

RV Inverter Guide: Modified vs Pure Sine Wave - Safe Power

My multimeter's out and I'm ready to tackle this RV electrical mess myself — pretty sure the inverter's the culprit but need to know where to start. I have a 2000 Winnebago Ultimate Advantage with four deep cycle house batteries and recently installed a Xantrex 758 inverter to replace my old Freedom 15 unit. The first time I tried using the inverter power while unplugged from shore power, something very strange happened - a hair dryer in the bathroom started running by itself and wouldn't shut off when I tried the switch. I had to unplug it, and the handle was warm. The hair dryer appears to be ruined now.

When I bought the Xantrex 758, I paid around $725 for what I thought was a good unit, but I'm now learning there's a difference between modified sine wave and pure sine wave inverters. I wasn't aware of this distinction when I made the purchase, and it turns out the 758 is a modified sine wave unit. I've since heard that modern electronics, especially things like residential refrigerators, computers, and sensitive electronic components, can be damaged by modified sine wave power.

I'm really concerned about potentially damaging my new residential refrigerator, stereo system, and computer equipment. Should I be worried about using this modified sine wave inverter with modern RV electronics? Is the hair dryer incident a sign that I need to upgrade to a pure sine wave unit, or are there other factors that could have caused this problem? I'm trying to understand if my current setup is putting my expensive electronics at risk. …more
Michelin RV Tire Problems: Complete Guide & Solutions 2024
Engine Medium varies 317 👍 1

Michelin RV Tire Problems: Complete Guide & Solutions 2024

Standing in my driveway planning to tackle these serious handling issues with my new Michelin Agilis HD Z 245/70R19.5 tires on my 2018 Winnebago Vista LX 27N this Saturday — what should I check first? The RV now has 25k miles, and since switching from Goodyear tires, I'm experiencing terrible tail wag - especially when towing my 2024 Toyota Tacoma and in windy conditions.

I've tried multiple tire pressures (82 psi from door sticker, 110 psi from installer, up to 100 psi) but nothing resolves the side-to-side movement. I have several stability modifications installed (Rear Trac Bar, Aux Roadmaster Rear Swaybar, Front Roadmaster Swaybar, Koni FSD shocks), which previously helped with handling.

The movement feels like the towed truck is actually pushing the RV's rear side-to-side, making driving extremely uncomfortable. I'm within Michelin's 60-day/2500-mile buy-back period and want to understand why these tires are performing so differently from my previous set.

Could experienced RV owners help me diagnose what might be causing these handling problems? …more
RV Storage on Gravel: Preventing Weed and Moisture Issues
General Medium 1-2 days for initial setup 291 👍 1

RV Storage on Gravel: Preventing Weed and Moisture Issues

Nobody warned me that buying a house with RV storage meant inheriting the previous owner's 13-year-old weedy, muddy gravel disaster. While considering this location's storage options, I want to mitigate potential issues with weed growth and moisture retention under the RV.

I'm seeking advice on effective strategies for storing on a gravel surface that shows significant weed penetration and moisture retention. Initial ideas include pre-treatment herbicide application and installing a protective barrier, but I want input from experienced RV owners.

My primary concerns are preventing undercarriage damage and managing moisture/vegetation growth. I plan to spray weed killer beforehand and potentially lay down a weed barrier, pending facility approval. What techniques or materials do you recommend to protect my RV during storage? …more
RV Grey Water Tank Clogged? 7 Proven Solutions to Clear Blockages Fast
Plumbing Medium 1-2 hours 196 👍

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
5 Star Tuner X4 for Ford V10 RV: Complete Performance & Upgrade Guide
Engine Easy 15 minutes 141 👍

5 Star Tuner X4 for Ford V10 RV: Complete Performance & Upgrade Guide

Planning to tune my 2018 Ford 6.8L V10 RV but got quoted $800 for professional tuning and wondering if the 5 Star X4 is DIY-friendly. Specifically want to know about real-world performance improvements - does it actually improve throttle response and shift points? What about fuel economy gains?

Which of the 3 programs works best for RV towing? Is the investment worth it for better drivability or just hype? …more
Toyo vs Michelin RV Tires: Complete Comparison for Diesel Pusher Motorhomes
Engine Easy N/A - informational 138 👍

Toyo vs Michelin RV Tires: Complete Comparison for Diesel Pusher Motorhomes

Planning to replace the tires on my 2019 Tiffin Phaeton 40IH, and ever since I started getting quotes, everyone keeps suggesting Toyo as a cheaper alternative to Michelin.

I'm honestly a bit overwhelmed by all the tire choices and wondering if I'd be making a mistake switching brands. Will Toyo tires give me the same ride quality as the Michelins? I've heard you can save quite a bit of money, but I don't want to compromise safety or comfort since we're still learning how to handle this big rig.

Would really appreciate some guidance from those who've made this switch - are you happy with the decision or do you regret not sticking with Michelin? …more

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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
Dutchstar Chassis Cracking Noise: Diagnosis & Repair Guide
Chassis Medium 45 minutes 133 👍

Dutchstar Chassis Cracking Noise: Diagnosis & Repair Guide

Hearing a loud cracking or popping noise from underneath my Dutchstar when going over bumps or turning. Sounds structural — like metal flexing or a weld breaking. Crawled under and couldn't see any obvious cracks but the noise is getting louder each trip. …more
Glendinning Power Cord Reel Problems: 2020+ Model Reliability Issues &
Appliances Medium 45 minutes 127 👍

Glendinning Power Cord Reel Problems: 2020+ Model Reliability Issues &

The neighbor's 2020 Glendinning power cord reel works flawlessly while mine keeps having slip ring connection failures despite the supposed dielectric grease fix. I'm looking at their newer post-2020 units but still concerned about long-term reliability issues that plagued earlier models.

Should I trust the updated slip ring design or go with their Cable Master bucket system instead? The Cable Master uses a bucket to house the wound-up power cord, which eliminates the slip ring issue, but the bay with the Transfer Switch might be too small for my specific setup.

Need to know if the 2020+ models actually solved the connection problems or if I should stick with the more reliable bucket design despite the potential space constraints. …more
Magnum MS2012 Inverter Not Charging Battery: Complete Fix Guide
Solar Batteries Medium 2-3 hours 119 👍

Magnum MS2012 Inverter Not Charging Battery: Complete Fix Guide

Finally got a second opinion after my RV tech insisted I need an $800 replacement for my entire Magnum MS2012 inverter just because it won't charge my 2011 Fleetwood Providence's battery. I've got dual Magnum MS2012 inverter chargers that seem to charge the batteries fine through all the stages, but once they reach float mode, the voltage just keeps dropping and the chargers won't kick back in to maintain them.

I've already replaced all the batteries (both coach and chassis), cleaned and tested every solenoid I can find, and I'm still having the same issue. The coach is plugged into shore power, so that's not the problem. I've been digging through the control panel menus looking for float settings but I'm not finding what I need.

Could this be a settings issue with the Magnum units, or am I dealing with some kind of power drain that's too much for the float charge to handle? I've been chasing this problem for months and I'm really hoping someone has run into this before and can help me figure out what I'm missing! …more
Norcold Bankruptcy: What RV Owners Need to Know About Parts & Service Options
Ac Refrigeration Easy N/A - information 115 👍

Norcold Bankruptcy: What RV Owners Need to Know About Parts & Service Options

Just found out Norcold filed for bankruptcy and now I'm sitting here with a fridge that needs a cooling unit replacement. Dealer says parts might not be available much longer and is pushing me to switch to Dometic. How worried should I actually be about getting Norcold parts and service going forward? …more
Tiffin Allegro Bus vs Newmar: Complete Owner's Comparison Guide 2024
General Easy Research and comparison 114 👍

Tiffin Allegro Bus vs Newmar: Complete Owner's Comparison Guide 2024

Finally decided to stop watching YouTube comparisons between Tiffin Allegro Bus and Newmar coaches since every reviewer contradicts each other and I'm more confused than ever. I've been researching for months and keep going in circles. Currently own a 2019 Tiffin Allegro Bus 40ip and absolutely love it, but we're looking to upgrade to a 45-footer and suddenly questioning everything.

Everyone says both Tiffin and Newmar are top-tier quality, but I need to understand the real differences. What makes each brand stand out? Is Tiffin's customer service really that much better, or is it just hype? Are Newmar's interiors actually more luxurious, or is that just marketing?

I've read every forum post and review I can find, but I really need someone to break down the key differences so I can make a decision and move forward. We're not buying new, looking at newer used models, but this choice is keeping me up at night! …more
How to Travel with a Winterized RV: Complete Cold Weather Guide
Plumbing Easy N/A 111 👍

How to Travel with a Winterized RV: Complete Cold Weather Guide

I noticed my travel trailer isn't winterized for my Connecticut to Florida Keys trip in February — can't afford professional service right now, need DIY solutions under $200? I'll be stopping at my brother's place in New Jersey first, and then caravaning to our first stop in Fredericksburg, VA at a KOA with a full bathhouse.

I've winterized my travel trailer for the cold months up here, and I recently heard a podcast about travelers staying winterized and using RV antifreeze for quick bathroom needs during the trip. I'm wondering if anyone has experience with this approach.

I know I could de-winterize before leaving, but I'm worried about pipes freezing during the drive south since we'll be going through some cold states. On the other hand, traveling winterized means no water systems working during the trip. What's the smartest way to handle this? Should I keep it winterized for the whole drive and deal with no water, or is there a better strategy I'm missing? …more

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How to Fix Dull RV Tile Floors After Carpet Cleaning Damage
Propane Easy 1-2 hours 110 👍

How to Fix Dull RV Tile Floors After Carpet Cleaning Damage

Nobody wants to drop $3,000+ on new RV tile flooring just because a carpet cleaning company claims some dull spots are "permanently damaged. Just had the carpets professionally cleaned in our 2015 Newmar BayStar 3401, and somehow the beautiful shine on our tile floors got completely ruined in the process. The areas right along the carpet edges are now dull and cloudy - they look absolutely terrible compared to how glossy they used to be.

I've tried applying Bona floor polish like I normally do for maintenance, but these damaged spots just won't take the shine anymore. It's like something either stripped the original finish or left some kind of residue that's blocking new polish from adhering properly. Has anyone dealt with this nightmare before? I really need to know what caused this and if there's any way to actually fix it without replacing the flooring entirely. …more
How to Sanitize Your RV Water Tank After Summer Storage - Complete Guide to Cleaning and Maintaining Fresh Water Systems
Plumbing Easy 2-3 hours 108 👍

How to Sanitize Your RV Water Tank After Summer Storage - Complete Guide to Cleaning and Maintaining Fresh Water Systems

About to tackle sanitizing my Winnebago Navion's water tank this Saturday after months of Arizona summer storage — what supplies should I have ready? The fresh water tank was completely drained before storage and has remained empty for approximately 4 months.

Given the extended storage period and the harsh desert conditions with temperatures exceeding 100°F for most of the summer, I need to determine the proper protocol for bringing the water system back online. Is a simple rinse sufficient, or does this situation warrant a full sanitization procedure?

What is the recommended bleach ratio and contact time for sanitizing after this type of extended hot weather storage? I want to ensure the water system is safe for consumption before our next trip. …more
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