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Best RV Thermostatic Shower Mixing Valves 2024 - Installation Guide
Appliances Medium 3-4 hours 177 👍

Best RV Thermostatic Shower Mixing Valves 2024 - Installation Guide

According to my screaming every morning, there's this scalding burn followed by an icy shock sensation hitting my back in my RV shower. There's no middle ground - it's like my water heater has anger management issues.

I'm shopping for a thermostatic mixing valve to save myself from daily temperature shock therapy. I keep seeing mechanical models like the Symmons Temptrol and Phoenix PF213200, but honestly have no idea if they're any good. And don't get me started on those fancy digital ones like the Kohler DTV+ - they look amazing but I'm guessing they're about as RV-friendly as a pet elephant.

Anyone know which thermostatic valves actually work well in RVs without requiring me to rewire half my rig or sacrifice my firstborn to the plumbing gods? …more
How to Fix RV Fresh Water Tank Leaks: Complete Diagnosis & Repair Guide
Plumbing Medium 1-4 hours 145 👍

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
How to Winterize RV Dishwasher and Washing Machine with Antifreeze - Complete Guide
Appliances Easy 30-45 minutes 132 👍

How to Winterize RV Dishwasher and Washing Machine with Antifreeze - Complete Guide

During my first walkthrough of this RV I bought last month, I discovered the previous owner never properly winterized the dishwasher and washing machine. I've got a Fisher & Paykel dishwasher and a Contoure front loading washer that I absolutely cannot let freeze up.

I know I need to use RV antifreeze, but I'm honestly confused about the exact process. Do I just pour it in and run a cycle? How much do I use? I've read horror stories about people using the wrong type of antifreeze and ruining everything. I really need someone to walk me through the correct steps before I mess this up! …more
Suburban SF-30 Furnace Replacement: Complete Unit vs Core Guide for RV Owners
Propane Medium 4 hours 112 👍

Suburban SF-30 Furnace Replacement: Complete Unit vs Core Guide for RV Owners

Somewhere between our freezing mountain trip last month and now, my 2002 Born Free's SF-30 furnace died completely and I'm torn between replacing the core versus the whole unit. I believe it's a Suburban SF-30 model. I've been doing some research and see there are two options - I can buy a complete furnace replacement or just get a replacement core that supposedly slides into the existing SF-30 housing for about half the price.

I'm honestly not sure which route to go. The cost savings on the core is tempting, but I don't want to make the wrong choice and end up with more problems. As someone who's still learning about RV maintenance, would you recommend getting the complete unit or would the core replacement work just as well? Any guidance would be really appreciated! …more
How to Connect Your RV Solar System to Power Your House: Complete Wiring Guide
Solar Batteries Hard 1 hour 111 👍

How to Connect Your RV Solar System to Power Your House: Complete Wiring Guide

Between midnight and 6 AM, my 2001 Ford E450's Victron 3000W solar system keeps flipping itself from RV to house power mode completely on its own. The bus is parked in my driveway and currently running a mini split efficiently with minimal power draw from the battery bank.

My house has a secondary electrical panel with a 30-amp inlet that I normally use for my Honda generator, connected through a transfer switch. The panel feeds 2x 20-amp and 4x 15-amp circuits. Since the solar system is producing excess power while parked, I want to utilize this capacity to power my house circuits.

What's the proper method to connect the Victron inverter output to my existing 30-amp house inlet? I need to understand the safe connection procedure, power limitations of the 3000W system, and any critical monitoring requirements for the battery bank when supplying house loads instead of just the RV systems. …more
Why Your RV Generac Diesel Generator Shuts Off After 2 Minutes Under Load: Troubleshooting Guide
Engine Medium 2-3 hours 110 👍

Why Your RV Generac Diesel Generator Shuts Off After 2 Minutes Under Load: Troubleshooting Guide

Found that ever since those heavy rains last month hit, my 2007 Alfa's Generac 7.5kw diesel generator shuts down exactly 2 minutes after firing up the basement AC.

Just did a full service (oil, filters, the works) so it's not basic maintenance stuff. I can restart it right after it shuts off, but if the AC is still calling for power, it dies immediately again. No error codes or blinking lights to give me a clue.

Is this a fuel delivery issue where it can't keep up with the AC load? Or am I looking at something else entirely? Really hoping someone's dealt with this exact same 2-minute thing before! …more

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RV Water Heater Popping Noise: Causes & How to Fix
Appliances Medium 90 minutes 107 👍

RV Water Heater Popping Noise: Causes & How to Fix

I found myself replacing the heating element, flushing the tank, checking every connection — but my RV water heater still makes these loud popping and crackling noises whenever it's heating up. It's got me a bit worried since I'm not sure what's normal and what isn't with these systems.

Is this something I should be concerned about? Could it be dangerous or cause damage if I don't address it? I've heard people mention draining water heaters but I'm not really sure when that's necessary or how to tell if that's what mine needs. Any guidance would be really appreciated! …more
How to Remove Dometic 10 Gallon Water Heater from Class A RV (Without
Propane Hard 4-6 hours 106 👍

How to Remove Dometic 10 Gallon Water Heater from Class A RV (Without

Turned on my water pump this morning and there's that unmistakable musty smell wafting from behind the fridge where my 1999 Class A's leaking Dometic 10-gallon water heater sits. I've got the mounting bolts out and can wiggle it a bit, but can't pull it far enough to get at the water and propane connections on the back.

Really hoping I don't have to yank the entire refrigerator just to swap this thing out! I'm thinking maybe I could disconnect the propane line from the front and push it through, but those water lines are probably gonna be the real problem. Has anyone figured out a way to get these units out without the massive headache of fridge removal? Maybe working from the exterior compartment somehow? …more
Best 2000W Inverters for Grand Design RV: Complete Installation Guide
Solar Batteries Medium 4-6 hours 101 👍

Best 2000W Inverters for Grand Design RV: Complete Installation Guide

Noticed my Grand Design's warranty paperwork doesn't mention inverter installations — would installing a 2000W inverter void my coverage completely? except my dream apparently involves wanting to run actual appliances without firing up the generator at 6 AM and becoming "that neighbor" at the campground! 😅

My TT came with the prewired inverter loop (thank goodness, because my electrical skills peak at changing light bulbs), and I know it's wired with 10/2 Romex that can handle up to 2000 watts. Now I'm drowning in inverter options and getting analysis paralysis.

I'm looking for recommendations on the best 2000W pure sine wave inverters that'll play nice with my Grand Design's setup. Also completely confused about whether to go with an internal ATS for simplicity or bite the bullet and install an external transfer switch. Help a fellow glamper out - what are the top models you'd recommend, and what's the real difference between internal vs external switching options? …more
Winnebago EKKO Shore Power & Water Leak Fix - Expert Guide
Electrical Medium 2-3 hours 100 👍

Winnebago EKKO Shore Power & Water Leak Fix - Expert Guide

After discovering shore power and water leak issues in my brand new 2025 Winnebago EKKO, I'm trying to decide between returning it or tackling the repairs myself. First, when I connect to shore power, the batteries aren't charging at all and there's an 'OPEN GRD' warning on the transfer switch. The shore power connection shows a red G light with green L and N lights. Second, there's water dripping right above the driver's seat coming from somewhere in the plastic overhead area between the left storage compartment and the TV mount. We have a cross-country family trip planned next month and I need to know if it's safe to travel with these problems. The battery issue is preventing me from running the generator when the coach battery gets too low. Is this something I can fix myself or do I need to head straight back to the dealer? …more
2016 Windsport 35C City Water Inlet Removal & Replacement
Plumbing Medium 2-3 hours 94 👍

2016 Windsport 35C City Water Inlet Removal & Replacement

Last week's downpour left my 2016 Windsport 35C's city water inlet leaking badly and now I'm stuck replacing the entire unit. I've removed all three mounting screws and cleared away the sealant, but the inlet assembly refuses to pull out from the exterior wall. Other RV repair videos I've watched show the inlet simply pulling straight out once the screws are removed, but mine appears to have a different mounting system.

I'm wondering if there's a threaded connection I'm missing or if I need to rotate the inlet while pulling. What's the proper removal technique for this specific model? Also concerned about the installation process - how do you properly tighten the new inlet from the outside to ensure a leak-free seal without over-torquing? …more
RV Water Inlet Panel Light Won't Turn Off - Electrical Fix
Electrical Medium 1-2 hours 29 👍

RV Water Inlet Panel Light Won't Turn Off - Electrical Fix

Found that every spring when I de-winterize my Class A, I do my usual walkthrough to check all systems. This year I noticed something odd with the exterior water inlet panel - the little light that's supposed to help you see the connections in the dark is now staying on constantly. In the four years I've owned this rig, I've never really paid attention to when that light is supposed to come on or off. There's no obvious switch for it on the panel itself. What's got me wondering is that I've also been dealing with some inverter and transfer switch issues lately, and I'm curious if these problems could be related. The timing seems suspicious that both issues appeared around the same time. Does anyone know the normal operation for these inlet panel lights and whether electrical system problems could cause this kind of behavior? …more
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