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Maintenance & Repair

What sealant should I use on my RV’s exterior?

Dear Dave, I am starting to see some exterior sealant aging on my RV. What is the best exterior caulk to use? I get so...

My RV’s water pump doesn’t work, but I can’t even find it!

Dear Dave, I'll be doing some dry camping soon, but my RV's water pump quit working. When I flip the rocker switch, I'm greeted with...

Can outside temperature be too cold for an RV refrigerator to cool?

Today’s Fact or Fiction Question Fact or Fiction? Outside temperatures can be too cold for an RV absorption refrigerator to cool. *Paraphrased/condensed from this source. Answer: Fact! Outside...

Fact or Fiction? Outside temperatures can be too cold for an RV refrigerator to cool

RV blogs, social media groups and YouTube videos have exploded over the past couple of years. Some provide great information, others questionable information and...

Navigating RV roof replacement through insurance

One of our readers, Ty, recently asked: "We have roof damage due to hail. Insurance has agreed to replace it, but I think it...

How much air should there be in my RV’s GY Endurance tires?

Denise asked: My TT came with cheap tires from China. I did a few short trips and one long one, NJ to FL. I had...

RVs are: ‘holes you shovel funds into,’ ‘earthquakes on wheels,’ and ‘crap’

In this column, we summarize some of your emails and comments regarding RV service centers and repairs (we asked you to submit your stories here)....

Join Dave Solberg at the Florida RV SuperShow

Join me at the 2023 Florida RV SuperShow January 18-22 Planning to attend the Florida RV SuperShow in Tampa this year? Then you will want...

Is a 12-volt compressor refrigerator best for me in my RV?

Hi, Dave, While attending an RV show recently, I noticed some units have a Furrion battery-operated refrigerator. Do you recommend the battery-only power source? Thanks....

A reminder to perform these basic RV maintenances often overlooked

We have no problem remembering the “big things” in RV maintenance. Examine and clean the roof? Check! Care for slide outs? Check! Regularly inspect...

My RV water heater clicks multiple times but won’t light. Why?

If you have questions, we have answers! Join us LIVE every Wednesday at 4 p.m. PST (7 p.m. Est) for Talkin’ RV Tech. Here...

Make your toilet “rise” to the occasion — Install a riser!

Don't know if it's age, or if earth's gravity is somehow getting stronger. As an example, whenever we're called on to do work at...

Does RV’s fresh water tank need to be full for water heater to fill?

Dear Dave, We just bought a Keystone Montana High Country and we have not been able to get the water heater to work. Does the...

Can I mount a backup camera on RV’s ladder?

Dear Dave, I have a ZEROXCLUB 7" wireless backup camera that I want to mount to the back of my 32' 5th wheel. I do...

Using a water heater tank rinser is the key to maintaining your RV’s water heater

Every Wednesday (that's today!) we meet for a livestream called Talkin’ RV Tech. We not only answer technical questions, but we also share what...

Is there room to upgrade 1000-watt inverter in Mercedes floorplan?

Dear Dave, I am looking at purchasing a 2023 Thor Quantum Mercedes Sprinter. The problem is it only comes with a 1/2 wave inverter and...

What is the best jack, and where to put it, to change a tire on a travel trailer?

Dear Dave, Would you use a bottle or floor jack to replace a tire on a travel trailer? Also, where is the correct place to...

How often do dump valve cables break? Should I be worried?

If you have questions, we have answers! Join us LIVE every Wednesday at 4 p.m. PST (7 p.m. EST) for Talkin’ RV Tech, presented...

Startup company creates first-of-its-kind tire blowout protection system

Tire blowouts—the bane of towable RVing. Far too many of us have found ourselves disabled on the side of the road with a mangled...

Is it illegal to change tire type or size on an RV?

There seems to be a recurring question of whether or not you can change the brand or size or load range of tires on...

Clogged showerhead cure—courtesy of Walmart

There’s nothing like a good, solid, hot shower after a cold day. Or a day of mechanic-ing, gardening, playing with the grandkids, or whatever....

‘Taking your RV to the dealer is like playing the lottery and the odds are against you’

In this column, we summarize some of your emails and comments regarding RV service centers and repairs (we asked you to submit your stories here)....

Two additional uses for Eternabond tape on your RV

Last month I shared reasons why I don't recommend utilizing EternaBond tape on your RV roof (outside of using it as a patch). But...

How do I mount and seal security cameras on roof of RV?

Hello, Dave, I want to mount four security cameras on the roof of the RV. Should I be concerned with drilling and sealing holes in...

Important RV roof side seam maintenance

Now that winter is in full swing, it's more important than ever to ensure your RV is watertight. I often see that side seams...

Why did RV’s lights and fridge stop operating on generator?

Dear Dave, Recently I turned the generator on and, like always, it came on, but my inside lights, fridge and all did not come on....

Why do my RV’s brakes feel spongy and weak?

Dear Dave,   I recently bought this motorhome (55k miles) and the brakes are low and braking power is slow to the point that it feels...

Tackling the cause of RV squeaks and how to fix them

If you have questions, we have answers! Join us LIVE every Wednesday at 4 p.m. PST (that's TODAY!) for Talkin’ RV Tech. Here is...

All RV outlets work except the galley top and bottom. Why?

Dear Dave, The outlet at the RV's dinette is dead, as is the one in the overhead cabinet directly above it. All others work. The...

Just a few of the many uses for WD-40

There are few RVers who don't consider a can of WD-40 an essential item in their tool arsenal. This "can do" lubricant has a...

RV black water flush sends water under the shower

Dear Dave, I hooked up my black water flush and found water coming from under my cabinet. I removed the inspection cover under my shower...

Can I stow my Roadmaster Nighthawk tow bars in a different order?

Recently, our RV repair shop received the below email from Jerry regarding his Roadmaster Nighthawk tow bars: I am looking at getting a Nighthawk tow...

Mostly good service and repair news to end the year

Awhile ago we asked you to tell us about your experiences with RV service centers. You came through with hundreds of responses. Thank you!...

Why do some appliances work on LP but cooktop and generator do not?

Dear Dave, In the recent past all the propane appliances in our RV worked fine, but on our last outing the generator would not start...

How do I prevent an RV LP gas leak?

Over the last few years, I have been very active on social media, in particular Facebook groups. My wife and I created a YouTube...

What HD TV antenna/Wi-Fi combo do you recommend?

Dear Dave, I'm thinking about replacing the crank-up TV antenna with a new fixed system. Is there anything available that can receive TV signals and...

Why does RV’s rear furnace work but front one blows cold air?

Dear Dave, My RV has two propane furnaces. The rear furnace works fine, but the front one blows cold air only. Any suggestions? Thanks. —Ray,...

Kwikee Entry Steps repair diagnosis and maintenance tips

My repair facility recently worked on 2019 Entegra Vision. The customer had one issue for us to fix: their Kwikee Entry Steps. Complaint Customer states that...

What type under-sink water filter do you recommend?

Dear Dave, I'm thinking of putting in an under-the-sink water filter. I am wondering when I winterize my RV, what do I do about the...

“Dew” away with mildew in the RV!

By Chris Dougherty Chris Dougherty is a certified RV technician. Here is a letter he received regarding mildew in an RV from a reader while...

I winterized the RV and it still froze. Why?

Dear Dave, I recently incorporated a temperature controlled 100w ceramic heater lamp, designed for a fish tank, into my water closet, hopefully to keep the...

9 major problems with brand-new unit: ‘Glass panels fell out of overhead storage compartments’

In this column, we summarize some of your emails and comments regarding RV service centers and repairs (we asked you to submit your stories...

Can a Nissan Titan Platinum XD pull a 7500-lb. trailer?

Dear Dave, I have a 2020 Coachmen Catalina (just purchased prior to pandemic) that I've never really taken out yet. I am purchasing a 2023...

Where to go to weigh your RV

By Chris Dougherty Chris Dougherty is a certified RV technician. Here is a letter he received from a reader while he was serving as RVtravel.com's...

The importance of RV water pump maintenance

Let this post serve as a reminder to clean your water pump filter. The filter is there to help catch particles to prevent damage...

RV manufacturer said installing Wi-Fi booster would void warranty. What?!

Dear Dave, I contacted Heartland about adding a Wi-Fi booster antenna to my RV and they said it would void my warranty. I would appreciate...

Where do I find fresh water in cold temperatures?

Hey, Dave, Where can I find fresh water fill stations in the winter? Thanks! —Michelle, 2022 Coachmen Cross Trail 23XG Dear Michelle, Great question, so I thought I...

When do I release my RV slide-out button?

If you have questions, we have answers! Join us LIVE every Wednesday (that's today!) at 4 p.m. PST (7 p.m. EST) for Talkin’ RV...

What can I run to adequately ‘exercise’ my generator this winter?

Dear Dave, What all can you run to create a full load when exercising a generator? It's 5 degrees out, so will running the AC...

Does my RV still need a battery when connected to shore power?

Dear Dave, I live in Montana. I remove my RV's dual 12v batteries and bring them inside. Then I plug my trailer into shore power...

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