inspect RV for leaksWhether you are purchasing a used RV or you already own an RV it’s a good idea to periodically inspect it for any water damage. I would list water damage as the number one problem RVs experience. RVs flex when they travel down the road and sealants dry out and separate, especially when the RV is exposed to the elements.

Inspecting your RV for water damage can save you lots of money if you find the leak early and take care of the problem. This post is intended to give you a logical process to follow so you can properly inspect your RV for water damage. I recommend inspecting the RV for water leaks twice a year at minimum, once in the fall and again in the spring.

The first thing you need to understand is that every seam on your RV, and anywhere the RV manufacturer cut a hole in your RV has the potential to allow water in. It’s important that you take your time and really inspect all of these seams and sealants on the RV. I always say that water damage on an RV is similar to progressive damage to a tire. The outside of the tire still looks fine, but the internal damage over period of time causes the tire to fail without any warning. The outside of your RV can look okay but the internal damage caused by water over a period of time can result in the entire roof, floor or wall rotting away without you knowing it.

Here is a basic guideline to follow during your inspections:

Caution: Always keep safety in mind when you are working on the roof of your RV. A slip or fall can cause serious injury or death.

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12 volt DC troubleshootingRVs have three different electrical systems. The 12-volt DC automotive system, the 12-volt DC coach system and the 120-volt AC coach system. Today we’re going to concentrate on troubleshooting a basic 12-volt DC coach electrical system problem. 12- volt DC or Direct Current is electricity supplied by the RV batteries. DC electricity flows in one direction, from negative to positive. 12-VDC electricity is stored in the RV batteries and supplies power to components, devices and appliances that operate on 12-volt DC electricity.

These 12-volt devices include overhead lights, the water pump, vent fans, furnace fan, range hood fan, LP gas leak detectors, stereo, 12-volt TVs and the refrigerator when it is operating in the LP gas mode. When you go camping you rely on these 12-volt items to operate properly, especially if you are dry-camping without hook-ups. So what do you do when one of these 12-volt items quit working?

For the sake of an example let’s say we are dry-camping and our 12-volt water pump quits working.

I am convinced that just about anyone can troubleshoot a 12-VDC problem, and in many cases repair the problem without it ruining your camping trip. For starters you will need a couple of basic tools to assist in troubleshooting your RV’s 12-volt DC electrical system.

1)      An inexpensive 12-volt test light.

2)      A digital multimeter that can test 12-volt DC electricity.

Both of these are available at local auto parts stores. You should also keep some electrical tape, various size wire nuts, 12-volt light bulbs and 12-volt fuses on hand. Check the amperage of the fuses used in the power distribution box and keep an assortment on hand. If you are aware of any inline fuses used on the 12-volt devices in your RV keep these on hand too.

Now, try to determine the last time the water pump actually worked. Did you leave the RV for a period of time with the pump on? Is there water in the fresh water holding tank? With the pump turned on try opening a faucet to see if the pump starts running. Were you working on or around something else that could have affected the operation of the water pump? Try to think of all possible scenarios. Something might jar your memory resulting in a quick fix to the problem.

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Posted by: Mark Polk | 6:51 pm

RV DIY – How To Test Your RV Batteries

The only way to know the condition of your RV batteries is to test the state of charge. All batteries will lose a percentage of the charge over time, not to mention the parasitic loads that can drain RV batteries in storage. You should test the battery state of charge every month and charge any battery that is at or below an 80% state of charge

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water pump converter kitTo make the task of winterizing your RV easier you can install a water pump converter kit. Basically we want an easy way to introduce the non-toxic RV antifreeze into the RV water lines. The converter kit I use was from Valterra Products and it comes with a brass diverter valve, a plastic coupler, Teflon tape and plastic tubing.

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A water heater by-pass kit can save you money in two ways. It saves  from using an extra six or ten gallons of non-toxic RV antifreeze needed to fill the water heater tank when it’s time to winterize your RV, and  it prevents costly damage like ruptured water lines or a ruptured water heater tank.

If water is left in the lines or tank they can freeze and expand, splitting the lines or tank. With a bypass kit you simply drain the water heater, put it in the by-pass mode and the antifreeze by-passes the tank and goes directly into the hot and cold water lines throughout the RV.

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