RV tech reveals 20 RV mistakes that drain your wallet

By Cheri Sicard
In the video at the end of this post, certified RV tech The RV Repair Woman, who has spent years fixing costly problems that could have been avoided, rounds up the most common money-sucking RV mistakes, what causes them, and what to do instead.

Avoid these costly RV mistakes

#1 Forgetting to protect your battery during storage

Leaving the battery connected in storage drains it, even with a disconnect. Parasitic draws sneak past and kill it. A simple solar maintainer keeps it topped up.

Try this:

• Clamp a small solar panel to the battery.
• Set the panel in daily light.
• Leave it connected while stored.

#2 Sticking with lead acid instead of upgrading to lithium

Lead-acid batteries live 2 to 5 years, often less in hot places like Las Vegas. They only allow 50 percent usable capacity and need fluid checks. Lithium lasts longer, allows full rated amp hours, and needs little care. Cold charging is the main caution. Prices have dropped, and one lithium often replaces two lead-acids. When the current battery dies, compare total cost.

(Side note from Cheri: I concur with this recommendation. After making the switch to lithium a couple of years ago, I am not sure why any RVer would use anything else.  Read more about my experience making the switch on an older travel trailer.)

#3 Skipping an EMS for shore power

An EMS (energy management system) is a surge protector that sits between the pedestal and the RV. Good units cost about $100 to $200 and can save thousands.

Steps:

1. Plug EMS into pedestal.
2. Plug RV cord into EMS.
3. Verify status lights, then run power.

#4 Buying new RV appliances from Amazon without warranty awareness

Amazon is fast and sometimes relatively cheap, but most buyers only get a 30-day return window. The usual 2- to 3-year manufacturer warranty often does not apply. Expect finger-pointing and no coverage if it fails later. Check out the warranty BEFORE you buy.

#5 Leaving bug covers on furnaces at the shop

Some covers void furnace warranties and are labeled fire risks. Shops may deny work under warranty. Pop them off before arriving, then reinstall at home. It takes less than a minute.

#6 Keeping tank valves open constantly

Open valves let liquids drain and leave solids behind. That forms a poop pyramid that stinks and costs a lot to fix. Keep valves closed and use plenty of water. Dump when full so pressure carries solids out.

#7 Neglecting professional tank cleaning

Full-timers should book a cleaning at least yearly. If that is not possible, use a tank wand through the toilet. Clean tanks cut odors and make repairs cheaper if a pipe cracks.

#8 Calling a tech for normal furnace timing

At the start, the fan runs for about 30 seconds before the propane heats the air. On shutdown, the fan runs for 60 to 90 seconds. That is normal.

#9 Blocking the furnace return air vent

Do not cover the intake with beds, bins, or laundry. Keep pet hair away. Starved airflow shuts the furnace down.

#10 Cranking the thermostat to heat faster

Thermostats set run time, not speed. Set the temp you want and leave it.

#11 Closing all A/C vents except the bedroom

Starving airflow can freeze the unit into a block of ice. Leave several vents open.

#12 Running an absorption fridge on a steep driveway

These fridges use gravity in the rear tubes. Park level if cooling is weak.

#13 Overstuffing the RV fridge

An RV fridge needs airflow inside and behind. If it is packed, remove a meal’s worth and test.

#14 Operating the fridge in extreme heat

They are designed to work best near 75°F, with 85°F as the upper limit. In a heat wave, cooling drops and ice-making may stop.

#15 Replacing a big fridge without measuring the RV’s door

Large fridges often cannot fit through the RV’s door. If not, the windshield or a slide may need to be removed, which is pricey. Measure first.

#16 Running the fridge on propane while driving

The bouncing flame can damage the cooling unit. That repair often starts around a thousand dollars. Chill the fridge before travel, keep doors closed, and power it back on at camp.

#17 Ignoring generator exercise

Bad gas causes most generator problems. Run it 15 to 30 minutes each month to cycle fresh fuel.

#18 Using PEX crimp rings on flexible hose

PEX crimps belong on rigid PEX, not flex hose. They leak. Use factory-premade flexible lines instead.

#19 The Dometic anode rod scam

Only Suburban steel tanks use anodes. Dometic aluminum tanks do not. Adding an anode rod to a Dometic can speed up corrosion.

#20 DIY water heater conversion kits

Gas-only units can be converted to electric with kits, but many require removing the Suburban anode. That invites rust and tank failure. Skip the kit.

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