The Smart RVer: DIY RV Maintenance and Repair

By Eric StarkEducation Leisure How To

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Typical duration
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The Smart RVer: DIY RV Maintenance and Repair episodes

March 18, 2022 ↓ Episode 95 – Got a Leaking Water Faucet?
In Episode 95 Eric is making up for lost time after being sick and not being able to work on his podcasts. He is glad to be back doing what he loves, helping others solve RV-related problems. Rather than cover the RV life Style segment in a traditional sense he dives into raising fuel prices and RVers can crunch the numbers to estimate a "real" estimate of what the actual fuel cost will be for a great trip in the RV. After all, the memories need to be made, the family loves a great getaway.
As always Eric uses his experience from talking with RVers about how much future trips could cost in regards to fuel. It is an eye-opener because quite often the cost is exaggerated because real numbers aren't being used. Depending on where you are going and what your mileage is the cost might be a lot more affordable than previously thought. In many scenarios, it may only require cutting back on some other expenses to offset the higher fuel cost. Camping closer to home might be an option as well.
Check Out Our Handy Fuel Calculator!
Staying on the Road is a must for RVers and that will require some maintenance from time to time. Leaky faucets, fittings, and other plumbing may require to be repaired before a trip and hopefully not on it. In this episode, Eric explains what Camper X's challenge and solution were and how he failed to do the repair right and at home on his own terms.
Listen to find out how important it is not to put off needed maintenance such as a leaky faucet and how important it is to have some spare plumbing fittings in the toolbox.
Next Stop is a great segment because Eric highlights different RV Friendly places to go around the country. In this episode, he covers the northern tip of the Oregon Coast. Primarily Seaside, Haystack Rock, and even though Astoria wasn't directly included it is just a short distance away. Of course, there are great places to eat and awesome RV Parks to camp at.
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Isn't it great to have a really cool tool that makes your buddies wish they had one? RV Envy is okay as long as it is managed with new toys from time to time. If you ever felt alone out on a stretch of highway or a remote campground or on a dusty road out in the wild you are probably not alone.
The anxiety can set in if you have no ability to communicate with someone if tf there is a mechanical breakdown. No cell service, no texting, no people to help can be overwhelming. If you have been there then you understand! Garmin makes a great hand help GPS that sends and receives text messages and has an SOS feature that can come in handy in a serious emergency. And you only pay for the months that you want to use the device. No annual contracts and that makes it even more affordable.
More Information About Garmin Inreach Explorer GPS
30 min
February 24, 2022 Where Has Eric Been?
Where has Eric Been? Eric hasn't ditched the show!
He has been sick for 4 weeks and is back on his feet as of 2-24-2022.
New Episodes will be coming in the next few weeks along with a couple of big announcements.
3 min
January 21, 2022 ↓ Episode 93- Do You Replace One Shoelace or Both?
In Episode 93 Eric Stark covers some ground from enjoying the outdoors on a bicycle to checking 12-volt relays with an awesome relay testing tool.
Eric also explains what he meant by the title "Do you replace one shoelace or both?" Quite often when one part fails such as an LP Hose on an auto changeover regulator only one hose gets replaced when in reality it should be both LP Hoses. The same holds true for RV Deep Cycle batteries, if there are two batteries and they are the same age and one battery dies the other should be replaced as well. The older battery will suck the life out of the new battery. Quite often there are repairs that should be done in pairs even if it costs a few more bucks. The goal is to keep your RV on the road and experience as few problems as possible.
If you haven't been to Georgia in your RV, this is a must-do trip! Eric gives just enough information about the Southern Coast of Georgia to whet your appetite to add Georgia to your RV Trip bucket list. Of course, you can listen to the episode or check out the details on The Smart RVer Website.
If you don't own or ever heard of a 12-volt relay tester this episode is for you. Instead of RV Envy as this section is called Eric refers to it as Tool Box Envy. Eric thinks it is a cool tool to have even if you don't use it every day.
Thanks for listening to the Smart RVer Podcast!
33 min
January 07, 2022 ↓ Episode 92 – Is the Battery Bad or the RV Power Converter
In Episode 92 Eric Stark Explains how to diagnose your RV Converter if it is not working. Eric also shares why it is also good to test the RV Batteries at the same time. There is nothing worse than wondering if the RV Batteries are good, bad, or almost dead.
He also explains the difference between Deck Mount Converters and Power Centers with built-in converters. Converters are a very simple DIY project for just about any RVer who has a few tools and a voltmeter.
Below are the manuals for Progressive Dynamics and WFCO RV Power Converters. These documents will help you diagnose your converter when it malfunctions. You can probably diagnose any brand or style of RV Power Converter with these instructions, although you can also check the manufacturer's website if needed.
Along with Keeping Your Rv on the Road, Eric gives a quick overview of Carlsbad Caverns and Roswell New Mexico. If you are going to visit one place you might as well visit the other place. Both destinations are awesome places to visit and enjoy the RV Lifestyle.
Eric also talks about his favorite item to make fellow RVers Envious, the Energizer Arc5 Portable Power Station. Check out the podcast to learn more about RV Envy and the really Cool Useful products that Eric highlights.
WFCO - Deck Mount Power Converter Manual and Trouble Shooting Guide
WFCO - Power Center Converter Manual and Trouble Shooting Guide
Energizer Arc5 Power Station

28 min
December 24, 2021 ↓ Episode 91 – Why are RV Escape Hatches and Vents So Confusing?
In Episode 91 Eric dives into the RV Life Style talking about living in your RV full time and sometimes it doesn't happen by choice. Many people today have been displaced or have moved into an RV out of necessity. With rents being doubled and tripled it has become difficult or impossible for some people to continue to live in a house. Also, there are many who are building new homes and have decided to live in the RV they already owned or are buying one for the first time.
In either case, it can be a new challenge, and if possible one should try to take advantage of the new lifestyle and try to embrace it. If you have been forced to live in your RV this can be more of a challenge. One key to helping it be more liveable is talking to Smart Rvers who can help you get set up the right way so you can experience fewer problems while discovering your new RV Lifestyle.
Eric also explains the complexities of understanding RV Roof Vents and Escape Hatches in this episode. Eric has found that 90% of the Escape Hatch & Vent Lids ordered online are ordered incorrectly. This episode is to hopefully clear up the mystery behind the different brands, styles, and sizes of RV Roof Vents and Escape Hatches.
Download Escape Hatch Size PDF
The Rio Grande Valley in Texas was featured in the Next Stop segment of the podcast. The Rio Grande Valley has so much to offer RVers who want to get away during the winter months. Great Food, Awesome RV Parks, and lots of Rich Culture to take in. Take a peek at the Next Stop section on our home page and learn more about Texas.
Thanks for listening to The Smart RVer Podcast with Eric Stark – Stay Safe
This was a great show and don’t forget to share it with fellow RVer’s
WhareSafe GPS Trackers Save 10% by using this Code. SMARTRVER10
Sunpro Mfg Sunshade Products for RV’s
Arizona RV Parts Center RV Parts and Accessories

29 min
December 08, 2021 ↓Episode 90 – The Best Way to Stay on the Road is not to Lose Your RV!
In Episode 90 "The Best Way to Stay on the Road is to Not Lose Your RV" Eric Stark shares his thoughts on heading to the warmer southern states for the winter months. Eric spends a few minutes explaining how Texas, Florida, Arizona, and parts of Southern California are great places to spend the winter months.
In Staying n the Road Eric dives into Security issues that can plague RVers and the potential of RV theft from mainly storage lots or RV's that are stored at home. The solution is not an alarm system nor is it more locks, that is a waste of time. If you doubt the security of locks just watch a few videos from the Lock Picking Lawyer on Youtube, he will change your mind about lock security. The ultimate solution is a GPS tracker Developed by Trackem for WhereSafe GPS RV Trackers. GPS trackers from WhereSafe can detect movement and send you a notification through the free app that easily installs on your phone. The theft could still occur but, you will have your RV back in hours versus days, weeks or even months. Save 10% on a Whersafe GPS Tracker by using any of the Whersafe links on this page and entering the discount code SMARTRVER10
In the Next Stop portion of the show, Eric highlights the Florida Panhandle and what an awesome winter getaway it is for RV'ers who want to take advantage of the warm winter months in Florida.
Thanks for listening to the Smart RVer Podcast with Eric Stark - Stay Safe
This was a great show and don't forget to share it with fellow RVer's
WhareSafe GPS Trackers Save 10% by using this Code. SMARTRVER10
Sunpro Mfg Sunshade Products for RV's
Arizona RV Parts Center RV Parts and Accessories
34 min
December 03, 2021 ↓Episode 89 – From the Twilight Zone to Arizona
In Episode 89 Eric Stark covers some ground in the newly reformatted Podcast formerly known as Radio Arizona RV. This newly formatted episode takes you from an episode from the TV series the Twilight Zone to beautiful Yuma, AZ.
Along the way, there is a short conversation explaining that the RV Lifestyle is not just for full-time RV'ers and how the RV Life Style is something that families and individual RV'ers can be part of and own.
Let's not forget what can happen when we take our RV to a service center for repairs and how it can go sideways and not end well. That is where the Twilight Zone comes in. Eric explains how to avoid overpaying or getting ripped off in his not-so-subtle terms.
The Next Stop segment takes you to beautiful Yuma, AZ and explains the rich cultures and all of the awesome things to see and do in Yuma. It is an RV'ers paradise during the winter months.
Finally, we come to RV Envy one of Eric's favorites. In this episode, he explains how the Sun can ruin a camping trip due to the constant heat under the RV Awning. He explains that the solution is using RV Awning Sun Shades by Sunpro Mfg.
We hope you enjoy the new format and as always we ask that you share this episode and rate us on your favorite podcast channel.
Thanks for listening.
Reach us at our website:
RV Parts & Accessories:
Our Sunshade Products:

28 min
November 30, 2021 Rebranding Radio Arizona RV
Hello, This is Eric Stark the host of Radio Arizona RV, the podcast for the DIY. I have some great news to share with you. The show is undergoing a rebranding and reformatting and will relaunch on Friday, Dec 3rd.
Who is the new show for? The show will now have something for most RV’ers.
Maintenance problems will be solved, useful products and awesome destinations will be discovered and the RV Life will be explored.
What is Going to Change? I will still be spending the majority of the show on how to maintain and repair your rv. In addition to RV Maintenance, the show will feature 3 new short segments on RV Life (Lifestyle/hobbies/recreation/culture/news/trends) Next Stop (RV Destinations) and finally RV Envy (Products for your RV, New, Cool and useful)
And what is a new show without a new website? We are also launching our new website TheSmartRVer.com and you guessed it, the new podcast name will be The Smart RVerPodcast with Eric Stark.
Take a listen to the all new Smart RV Podcast on December 3rd when the first new episode comes out. #89 From the Twilight Zone to Arizona. As always I will be looking forward to any feedback you might have.
This is Eric Stark with the Smart RVer Podcast, Thanks for listening!
2 min
August 30, 2021 ↓Episode 88 – How to Avoid Blow Outs with Trailer Tires
In episode 88 Eric Stark goes over the different types of trailer tires and potential problems that may arise with them. Eric will explain in depth why certain tires are better for your trailer and what are the common causes/signs of potential blowouts. You'll learn proper care for your tires to help increase safety, overall longevity, and learning when is the right time to replace your tires. Eric will also share good ideas to implement when purchasing tires to make sure you are staying as safe as possible. Be sure to check out the video version of this episode as well, having a visual aid is invaluable when it comes to DIY!
Watch Podcast Video on YouTube:
Stay safe everyone and thank you for listening! Please subscribe, rate, and share if you enjoy!
Mudflap Fuel Saving App
Reach us at our website Radio Arizona RV
RV Parts & Accessories:
Our Sunshade Products
22 min
August 17, 2021 ↓Episode 87 – Maintaining an RV Roof Top Air Conditioner
In episode 87 Eric walks us through proper maintenance and care for our RV's air conditioner. You'll also hear an update on the state of the RV parts industry given the continued global impact of the pandemic. You'll be guided through step-by-step (and in detail) how to maintain and care for your RV's air conditioner. Even if you don't plan on doing it yourself you'll learn exactly what you need to ask for when taking your RV to a shop! There is also a video version of this podcast, link is below!
Video of this episode:
Stay safe everyone and thank you for listening! Please subscribe, rate, and share if you enjoy!
Mudflap Inc:
Reach us at our website:
RV Parts & Accessories:
Our Sunshade Products:
22 min