Rv Maintenance Tips And Information For The Diy

GO Power Solar Interview Part 1https://gpelectric.com/application/rv-solar-kits/ ( ) Episode 52 (part 1) is all About Go Power Solar and as an added bonus Mark Spillsbury from Go Power Solar is my guest. Go Power Solar has been in the RV Solar Panel game for about 23 years making Go Power one of the first Solar companies to become a main stream solar supplier for the RV Industry. Go Power Solar is certainly the industry leader making them the King of the Solar Category! Mark has been with Go Power for about 21 years and is one of their resident experts and he knows their products inside and out. Not only does he understand Go Power products he has an unbelievable knowledge of solar in general. Mark also likes to RV and that certainly gives him and Go Power much deeper insight into the needs of the RV'er be it full time or a weekend warrior. As most of you know I push the products I believe in and I have been sold on Go Power for about 21 years. Rather than trying to pack everything into one episode I am spl

Follow These Steps to Get Your RV Reay For Winter Storage In Episode 51 I go over the essential maintenance steps that every RV'er needs to do to get ready for Winter if they live where it snows and or freezes. Even if you don't need to do an official winterizing project for the winter season this is still a good time check for leaks and potential problems. Fresh Water: The starting point could be with the fresh water system and making sure it is drained of water. You will want to make sure to include the Water Heater and Fresh Water Tank(s). Some RV'ers prefer to blow the water out of the lines with a simple tool that screws into the city water hookup that uses compressed air to clear the line of water. This works very good and is inexpensive to do. Compressed air, a little bit of your time and a 5 dollar blow out plug! The other way to winterize the fresh water system uses RV Antifreeze that you run through the Fresh water system. RV Antifreeze won't freeze (read label for freeze points) and it is a

Episode 50 was produced out of frustration that companies make products that in my opinion are a dis-service to the RV Community and a frustration to the end user or the RV'er. As I said this is my opinion! The subject matter for today's episode is a RV Awning Fabric that I will call Brand X, I choose not to call the company out in this episode. The pictures say a mouthful about the fabric. I will only recommend 3 brands that I feel meet the standards that make a good fabric. Solera by Lippert, A&E by Dometic, Carefree of Colorado. These 3 stand far above Brand X when it comes to quality and ease of installation with accurate instructions. I have never seen instructions such as Brand X, they sabotage an A&E installation for sure. I have installed 1000's of RV Awning Fabrics and have never seen a fabric like this! The point of the episode is not just about RV Awning Fabrics and making good purchases, it is a principle that can be applied to anything you purchase for your RV or anything in general. Do y

Purchasing a used RV, Travel Trailer or 5th Wheel etc…In episode 49 I explain why it is so important to thoroughly check out an RV before purchasing regardless of how good the deal might seam to be. There are many things to check out – there are companies that provide this service -They might be pricey. I am bringing this up because I hear of so many RV’ers buying used RV's and they miss so many problems that cost extra money and sometimes even sour the entire purchase. Dry rot, torn awning fabrics, broken steps, bad wiring etc… You may need to segment the RV purchase inspection into 4 main categories. You also need to be a detective and find the problems before you shell out your hard-earned cash. When you’re done with your inspection every square inch of the RV should have been inspected and be in your head. The 4 Segments or Sections: 1) The Roof - Inspect every item on the roof including seams, vents, the roof it self etc... 2) The underside - This would include all of the chassis components, holding

http://www.hopkinstowingsolutions.com/products/levels/08200.html ( ) http://www.hopkinstowingsolutions.com/products/levels/08200.html ( )Hopkins Levelers http://www.hopkinstowingsolutions.com/products/levels/08200.html ( ) http://www.hopkinstowingsolutions.com/products/levels/08200.html ( )Hopkins Level System http://www.valterra.com/product/stackers-10pk-boxed/?pcat_id=1223 ( ) http://www.valterra.com/product/stackers-10pk-boxed/?pcat_id=1223 ( )Valterra Stackers http://www.valterra.com/product/stayput-jack-pads-w-handle-small-4pack-6-x-6-w-o-handle-wrap-card/?pcat_id=1223 ( ) http://www.valterra.com/product/stayput-jack-pads-w-handle-small-4pack-6-x-6-w-o-handle-wrap-card/?pcat_id=1223 ( )Valterra Stabilizer Pads http://www.superdollypad.com/rv_pad.htm ( ) http://www.superdollypad.com/rv_pad.htm ( )Super Dolly RV Pads In Episode 48 I dig into stabilizing pads for Trailers and Fifth Wheels and the difference between Plastic and Wood Pads for placing underneath the stabilizer legs. I don't get into Mo

Today in Episode 47 I get into the basic leveling for 5th Wheel Trailers and Travel Trailers. Most trailers come with 4 stabilizers, one in each corner of the trailer. Fifth Wheels will usually have a stabilizer in each rear corner and the landing gear in the front of the trailer. The stabilizers are for stabilizing the trailer prior to leveling it. They are not designed for lifting the trailer, they capable of holding the weight of the trailer. I get into the finer details of stabilizers, such as, the different types and how they can and should be used. In episode 48 I go into the details of Leveling a trailer without automatic leveling systems. There is nothing real tricky in doing this, it just more common sense and understanding how stabilizers work and what they are meant for. It is also a good practice to use stabilizer pads under the foot of the stabilizer so the foot doesn't sink into the ground. The pads also help keep the trailer level because the feet of the stabilizers are not shifting in the

http://www.valterra.com/product-category/rv-products/aftermarket/sewer-sanitation/sewer-hoses-kits/ ( ) http://www.valterra.com/product-category/rv-products/aftermarket/sewer-sanitation/sewer-hoses-kits/ ( ) https://www.thetford.com/products/evacuation/titan/ ( ) https://www.thetford.com/products/evacuation/titan/ ( ) http://www.camco.net/sewer-hoses ( ) http://www.camco.net/sewer-hoses ( ) https://www.prestofit.com/BluelineRVSanitation.html ( ) https://www.prestofit.com/BluelineRVSanitation.html ( ) Untangling the Confusion about RV Sewer HosesIn Episode 46 I try to untangle some of the confusion when replacing your RV Sewer Hose. The reason why the title of the podcast uses the word Untangle is due to the confusion that can happen when you go into an RV Parts Store. As you gaze in amazement down aisle with 2-5 different brands of sewer hoses. It can look a little overwhelming trying to determine what does what and how do you get there from here. While trying not to throw your money away. What Mat

RV Black Water Holding Tank Maintenance↓ When it comes to maintaining your RV Black Water Holding Tank there are many opinions out there. In Episode 45 I give a little history lesson on Holding Tank Chemicals and the how they have evolved and made their way onto the shelves of an RV Store near you. More importantly though, is which Holding Tank Chemical (Product) should you choose and what you should expect. One point I need to clarify before I start to ramble on. I go back and forth using the words Chemical and Product because in today's world not everything that we put in our Holding Tanks can be called a chemical. Many products are not chemical based products! They can be considered safe for the environment. Some products are more safe than others and that is part of the debate when it comes time to empty the Black Water Tank. When Choosing a Holding Tank Product there are 4 objectives that you should try to accomplish. All 4 objectives should be considered equally as important when that wonderful tim

https://radioarizonarv.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/battery.jpg ()↓There can be a fair amount of confusion about the best way to store an RV Battery during the off season. In this episode I break it down to simplify the process and make some nice product recommendations along the way. In most scenarios the RV’er is storing his battery during the cold winter months and typically not during the hot summer months. The methods can adapted to either situation, hot or cold. The summer heat can damage a battery as much as poorly stored battery during the cold months. ↓The bottom line is to keep the battery case and posts clean and keeping the battery properly charged during the storage process . If your battery is going to be stored in the RV during the winter months you will want to make sure that it has a full charge and this will prevent it from freezing. Some have said that an RV Battery will freeze if left in the RV during storage and that is not true unless the temperature drops 

https://radioarizonarv.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/718BQijKpML._SL1500_.jpg ()In Episode 43 I break down purchasing either an Adco or Classic RV Cover for storing your RV, Travel Trailer or Fifth Wheel in challenging climates. I am only going to spend time talking about Adco and Classic RV covers because they are mainly in the RV Cover business and have great reputations. I have sold other covers and at the end of the day I always default back to Adco and Classic. After being in Arizona for many years I came to the conclusion an RV Cover whether it is for a travel trailer or motorhome will quite often only last for one summer due to the constant heavy winds. The wind, not the sun, tears them apart before the summer is over. Even if all of the edges and corners of the RV were protected the covers just did not last. I finally stopped selling them. That is, I gave a strong warning about how long they would last and for the most part talked the RV owner out of buying a cover that would probably only

https://radioarizonarv.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/PDLogo.jpg ()In Episode 42 I discuss the 4 Major Brands of RV Power Converters that are commonly found in most RV’s providing power to the RV’s 12 volt system. This an interesting topic due to the similariteis of each power converter. Also, all 4 brands boast great products, excellent customer service and a very small defective/return rate. I have neglected to mention the 4 brands by name; https://www.progressivedyn.com/ (Progressive Dynamics) (PD), https://wfcoelectronics.com/ (WFCO) (woofco), https://www.iotaengineering.com/power.htm (Iota) and http://www.parallaxpower.com/ (Parallax). They are not named in order other than this is how I listed them for this article. I certainly gained an equal amount of respect for each brand and walked away knowing each one has a place in the RV Industry. I am asked questions almost daily about RV Power Converters and which one should be used to replace one that has bitten the dust. I have to say I almos

Episode 41 – This episode is about simple repairs that can keep your vacation on track. I recap some of the recent conversations I have had with customers about certain maintenance items that can ruin a trip if not taken care of.  We are in fire season in many parts of the country and rather than be surprised by smoke and fire plan ahead but, do not cancel your trip, just go elsewhere. I once again urge everyone to get organized when it comes to parts and items that need to be replaced on the RV. There are several apps that work with PC’s, Mac’s and portable devices. The post https://radioarizonarv.com/%e2%86%93episode-41-everyday-minor-repairs-can-ruin-trip/ (↓Episode 41 – Everyday Minor Repairs that can Ruin A Trip) appeared first on https://radioarizonarv.com (Radio Arizona RV). Support this podcast

Episode 40 – I cover some ground on the move to Montana and explain why I bought so many new tires for the move. My Toy Hauler tires just made it to the tire shop 10 miles from my house. The Utility trailer tires didn’t make it out of driveway. There were lot of things happening during the move  and I wanted make sure I had little or no problems on the highway with any of our trailers and vehicles. My focus was going 1200 miles without a break down. And we did make to Victor without any major issues. That really is not a surprise considering I do maintain my vehicles. I also had to make a 22″ escape hatch lid out of scrap aluminum before we hit the road due to mine (Ventline) no longer being available. I preferred not to replace the entire escape hatch so I wouldn’t ruin the seal on the roof.  It worked just fine without any leaks on the road and in the heavy rains after we arrived. There are a lot of concerns that might run through your mind while you are traveling and I certainly ha

https://radioarizonarv.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/EcoPurificationSystem.jpeg ()Episode 39 covers RV UV-LED Water Filtration as the newest technology to provide Clean Pure Drinking Water in any RV at a an affordable price. We sell the https://acuvatech.com/ (Acuva) brand RV LED Water Filter System. This system completely remove all of the nasty things in water that other systems can’t remove. Call us for prices. Surge Protection is the other topic I covered in this Episode and how important they can be to protect the RV’s electronics and appliances that use 110 volt. Surge Guard and Progressive Dynamics are the 2 brands I recommend because it is the brand I have grown to trust and sell problem free. I also explain some of the awesome changes coming to our new location in Victor Montana. The changes are going to be awesome and provide a completely different customer experience not found in the RV Industry. Listen Now! The post https://radioarizonarv.com/%e2%86%93episode-39-rv-surge-protectio

https://radioarizonarv.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/outdoor-rv-storage.jpg ()In Episode 38 I do a brief update on our move to Victor, MT and spend most of the show talking about prepping for summer and some of the important basics that go along with vacation prep. Everybody has their own routines that match their RV and that usually works so, I just give some reminders and spend some time on sealing the roof because in most parts of the country it rains almost regularly in the summer. I also touch on trailer tires and suspension and the importance of quality brake controllers. And as always I push the DIY aspect of owning an RV and the importance of maintaining your RV and especially having the confidence to do it yourself! Listen Now! The post https://radioarizonarv.com/%e2%86%93episode-38-move-update-and-rv-prep-for-summer/ (↓Episode 38 – Move Update and RV Prep for Summer) appeared first on https://radioarizonarv.com (Radio Arizona RV). Support this podcast

https://radioarizonarv.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Moving-Images.jpg ()We are moving to Victor Montana! Yes, that is correct, we are relocating to Victor Montana in the middle of May 2018. Due to family illness Karen and I have decided the best thing to do is move to Montana so she can be closer to her mom in the the last months of her life. We also decided that we would relocate Arizona RV Parts, our brick and mortar store as well. We still need to work and are able so why not move it all and be there for her mom and and enjoy some beautiful surroundings. This is a planned a move and now that we are sure of it, we will be very public and let all of our customers know to the best of our ability. Let me emphasize, we are relocating, not going out of business nor are we leaving Wellton, AZ because of shady business practices. I suggest listening to the Podcast and hear all of the details for yourself. Below are links to the website branding our new name, Highway 93 RV. The podcast will carry on under the sam

https://radioarizonarv.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/proflex.jpg ()In this episode I cover the essentials of what type of sealants to use on your RV. I briefly cover what is needed for a Rubber Roof because I have done a previous on sealing a rubber roof and the Sealants I recommend are made by Dicor, they specialize in rubber roofs. I also am a fan of Dicor products for maintaining and repairing rubber roofs.  In this episode I use a window as an example of how to seal just about anything on the side of your RV although, the principle holds true for the roof as well. A window typically uses the same process and sealants that compartment door would use as well as an entrance door. The main thing to do in any application is clean the surfaces thoroughly and use Butyl tape to as the main seal and a sealant such as Proflex to seal the top of the window or whatever it is that you are resealing. I also explain the differences in Butyl  Tape and Putty Tape and why you should use Butyl Tape in almost all reseal job

https://radioarizonarv.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Tools.jpg () Not sure of what tools you should carry in your RV Tool Box? As an RV’er you never know when your RV is going to need a repair whether it is on the road or camping at your favorite get away. The one thing you do know is that you will experience problems that will require repairs. The other unknown is if it will happen when it is convenient with your local repair shop open for business or will it be on a weekend or at night when everybody is closed up tight? It will happen if it already hasn’t, breakdowns are part of the RV Experience. In reality though, don’t cars and boats need repairs? What about ATV’s and personal water crafts? My point is everything fails and for some reason when an RV has a problem it is classified as an absolute inconvenience, when it is just part of the experience. Episode 35 covers this topic and I share with you my thoughts on what tools would be worth carrying and why. I also cover some items that are very

https://radioarizonarv.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/SoleraLogo_2_500.jpg ()Episode 34 is about Solera RV Awnings by Lippert Components and the quality that has made Solera my new favorite RV Awning. In the past I expressed a low opinion of Lippert Components and now I changed my view point as time has passed. Not only have they become a better company, they are providing a great line of RV Awnings. The Solera brand has proven to be a Rock Star for my customers and our new go to awning. I go into the 3 Solera products that we have sold the most of this winter season in Arizona. The 18 Volt Universal Awning Arm Sets and the Universal Fabrics are two awesome products but, I have to say the Sliders or more commonly known as Slide Out Awnings are the best Slide Out Awnings we have ever installed. They are very similar to the Old Style A&E Slide Toppers except, they have been improved upon not only in style and appearance but also the performance is like none other. Listen Now to the Entire Episode! http

https://radioarizonarv.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/V10Logog.jpg ()Ford V10 Engine Rebuild Due to Spark Plugs Blowing Out! In this episode I explain the Spark Plug problem that Ford V10 Engines experience and how a spark plug problem turned into an engine rebuild on a Ford E350 Super Duty Van. I explain the overall process I went through and why I did it. I could have possibly just spent 800 bucks and maybe got by with a Time Sert/Helicloi type of fix but, I chose to go deeper because of the mileage (235,000) and at the bare minimum have the heads rebuilt and all of the spark plug holes repaired. The engine was going to have to come out no matter which way I decided to proceed and it was not nearly as difficult as the internet will make you believe. Some shops automatically remove the entire body to get to the engine. This makes no sense! After removing the engine I decided to scrap getting the heads rebuilt after calling around Yuma and not really getting the answers I wanted to be comfortable with any of