Issue 943 • July 30, 2018
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QUICK TIPS
Why do dump valves have openings at the top and bottom of the slide?
“We get asked this a lot by RVers changing out a sticky or damaged RV holding tank gate valve, and the associated, ‘Won’t it leak?’ The answer is that the valve would have to be larger in that area and, as you know, space is always at a premium in an RV.
Regarding leaks, the valve actually seals on the surface of the gate with the two lip seals placed on each side of the valve in the flanges. The area outside the seal area is really not necessary for sealing, but gate valve positioning in the plumbing is important. Many leak issues in a manual pull or cable pull valve is when the valve is installed at the 3 or 9 o’clock position in the piping. By sliding the gate open and closed in this position, debris, toilet paper, etc., can accumulate in the side of the body where the leading edge of the gate resides when it is closed. In this case, the gate actually pushes TP into the end of the body instead of cutting it. Over time the gate can’t go all the way past the seals and a leak results.
Another problem with cable-operated valves is cables tend to bend. When an ‘open’ gate starts to move toward closed, it runs into the two lip seals, pressing against them. The pressure increases as the gate moves to fully closed. If the pressure is too much, the cable flexes and the gate stops short of being fully closed.” —Doug with drainmaster.com.
Shoe holder does new tricks!
From reader Mary Clizbe: “I hang a plastic shoe bag with 24 compartments designed for 12 pairs of shoes on the inside of my motorhome bathroom door to contain miscellaneous necessities like batteries, cosmetics, grooming items, medical supplies, etc. Everything is in clear view and immediately accessible.” Thanks Mary!
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Electrical roadblocks? Not anymore!
Connect your electronics no matter where you park with an easy-to-use adapter. These adapters, built for secure outdoor use, are weather resistant and work best with a similar extension cord. They are also designed with pull-out handles for easy removal when charging is complete. Available in 15-to-30 Amp and 30-to-15 Amp. Shop all adapters here.
Answer to today’s email alert brain teaser: The letter M.
MORE QUICK TIPS
Beware the universal lug wrench
Got one of those neat four-way lug wrenches, set to fit anything on the road? Before you need to use it on your RV, make sure it really fits. Some RVers have found that the wall thickness of these wrenches is too thick to clear the lug-nut-to-rim distance.
Use less hot water when taking a shower
From reader David Bushouse: “When taking a shower, use your water pump and the fresh water tank when your tank water is lukewarm but the well water for the RV park is icy cold. That way less hot water is needed to mix with the cold.” Thanks David!
Do you have a tip? Send it to Russ (at) rvtravel.com
Tank Sensors Reading Full?Restore them overnight with Caravan Sensor Cleaner
Caravan’s highly concentrated, bio-enzymatic formula is guaranteed to remove the debris causing your tanks to misread. No driving necessary. No dangerous chemicals. No strong odors. Perfect for full-timers and permanently parked RVs. Learn more or buy at Amazon.com.
WEBSITES OF THE DAY
Archeological InstituteÂ
Ever wanted to be an archeologist for a day? This website shows all the current “digs” and allows you to be a part of them by volunteering. We’re intrigued!Â
The prettiest town in every state
How many have you been to? Is one along the route of your next destination? This would even be a good list to plan a road trip around.Â
Check out the long list of great RVing-related websites from RVtravel.com.
You loved the spray; DEET-free mosquito repellent wipes really work!
Back by popular demand, these DEET-free mosquito and tick repellent wipes really work! We had previously recommended the spray, but for those of you who don’t need it that often, or like the convenience of throwing a wipe or two in your day pack, these are perfect. Like we said before, as RVers, we’re going to need this stuff! Learn more or order here.
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LEAVE HERE WITH A LAUGH
I can’t believe I forgot to go to the gym today. That’s 7 years in a row now!
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RV Daily Tips Staff
Editor and Publisher: Chuck Woodbury. Managing editor: Diane McGovern. Staff writer: Emily Woodbury. Contributing writers: Russ De Maris, Bob Difley, Gary Bunzer, Roger Marble, Mike Sokol, Greg Illes, J.M. Montigel and Andrew Robinson. Advertising coordinator: Gail Meyring. Marketing director: Jessica Sarvis.
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The article on waste valves is incomprehensible to me.
In a residential area, someone tried to steal a bike off the back, but chain lock held. Always put the satellite dish antenna out; never lock it. So far, so good.
Love the new look on the email.
I’ve never had something stolen, which leads me to one of several conclusions:
1) Most people are more honest than you’d think
2) My stuff is worn out junk thieves don’t want
3) An ad for TACTICAL FIREARM INSTRUCTOR on my truck keeps people honest, even though I’m a marshmallow and #2 means I’d rather have the insurance.
I do usually chain the generator when unattended, but I don’t worry overmuch.
If you have something stolen at an rv park, you’re staying at the wrong parks. Same thing with having to have a gun with you.
If you need to have a fire extinguisher in your trailer, you’re towing the wrong trailer…
If you carry a cellphone, you’re clearly expecting to call 911 too often…
My sidearm is for bear, snakes, and any other predators if they won’t let me just walk away. No sane person would drop the hammer for someone taking lawn chairs, but if scumbags dont realise that, that’s fine too.
Just a reminder that the majority of RVs I’ve looked at shared a common key/lock on many outside access doors … the key is marked ‘CH751’ and is in the possession of thousans of RV owners, service techs, salespeople and others in EVERY campground and dealership!
I had the contents 2 compartments stolen while my transmission was being fixed. It wasn’t broken into but someone used a key to un lock the doors & re lock them. Didn’t notice it till the next time we went camping & needed those items. Of course the transmission shop denied they had anything to do with it.
Dave
I would be interested in a poll specifically about the theft of patio mats and outdoor furniture. I secure everything else, but only tip the chairs over next to the camper and the mat is staked.
Some folks in some Middle Eastern countries found out the hard way what happens when they steal. Perhaps that should apply to some folks in this country.
I ended up having to carry TWO four-way lug wrenches. One that fit my one ton pickup and the other to fit my trailer. Good thing I checked that out one day. Otherwise, on the two occasions I’ve had to change tires (once on the truck, once on the trailer) I would have been up the proverbial creek.
When I’m in trucking mode I also carry a big 3/4″ breaker bar and appropriate 6-point sockets for the wheel lug nuts. And while I would never use one to tighten lug nuts or bolts of any kind, I will admit to having a 3 ft length of pipe to extend my leverage to loosen one if need be. But I make it a habit to loosen and re-torque wheel lugs with a proper torque wrench after any kind of wheel service. Plus I’ll double check all wheel lug torques before I start any extended trips. I used to jump in my Sprinter van and drive from Maryland to Seattle in 4 days, then drive all around California for a week teaching seminars, then hook a left at LA and do seminars in Phoenix, etc… I was super paranoid about all types of vehicle maintenance, so I would do a quick check of things like tire pressure and oil level every day and a full inspection of every fluid and gadget that might loosen up every week. And I had a real pre-flight checklist to make sure I didn’t forget anything before launch. But wheel lug torque is super important, and a way to change a flat tire is near the top of my list. Do you have a jack heavy enough to lift your vehicle?
Had 2 bicycles which were chained to the picnic table stripped one day in a county park in Florida. Now I never leave anything out unless it’s bolted down and the RV is always locked.
I had a battery stolen, not at a campsite, but at a storage facility.
The only thing we’ve had stolen during many years of RVing was the front license plate from our truck. It was a handsome design of Mt. Rushmore when we were full-timers with SD residency.