The Smart RVer: DIY RV Maintenance and Repair

In episode 76 Eric goes through the process of winterizing your RV. You'll also hear an update on how covid-19 is affecting the RV industry and what you should do in the current climate. Eric will go over everything in a nearly step by step process of winterizing your RV. With winter quickly approaching taking the necessary steps to ensure your RV will be properly winterized will not only give you peace of mind but also help your RV from unnecessary issues down the road.

Stay safe everyone and thank you for listening! Please subscribe, rate, and share if you enjoy!

How To Winterize Your RV.

Blow out system with air.

Fill system with RV Antifreeze.

You will need a few items:

• Non-toxic RV antifreeze(2-3 Gallons is usually sufficient).
• A water heater by-pass kit – There are 2 sizes, 6 and 10 gallon kits.
• A Holding tank Wand to clean out the black and grey water tanks.
• A water pump converter kit, or the equivalent for pressurizing the water lines with RV Antifreeze.
• A few basic hand tools will be required.

Follow the steps below after acquiring the above products and tools as needed. RV Manufacturers sometimes provide additional information to winterize the RV. This information can be found in the owner’s manual. Not every step will apply to every RV.

• Water Filters, Remove or bypass any inline water filters.
• Fresh Water Tank, Drain.
• Black and Grey Water Tanks, Drain and flush with the builtin flusher or use a wand type flusher.
• Water Heater, Open the pressure relief valve to relieve the pressure and then remove the drain plug (Atwood/Dometic) or the anode rod (Suburban)
• Faucets, Open the hot and cold side of each faucet, open the toilet water valve by flushing the toilet. Include outdoor showers and wash down faucets.
• Low Point Drains, Open the low point drain valves (Hot and Cold). The water pump can be used to force water out. Do not run the pump any longer than needed to clear lines.
• Close all faucets and valves that were opened for the above processes.
• Water Heater By-pass, Check to see if your water heater has a by-pass kit installed on it. If so, put it in by-pass mode. It is recommended to have one because it will save at least six gallons of RV Antifreeze.
• Water Pump, Water Pump Converter Kits are the easiest way to get the RV Antifreeze into the water lines. You can also connect clear tubing to the inlet side of the water pump to simulate a converter kit. After the tube is connected, put it in a gallon of RV Antifreeze. Converter Kits make it easier year after year.
• Pressurize Water System, Pressurize the system by turning on the water pump. Open the faucets one by one, hot and cold starting with the closest faucet until antifreeze appears. Check the RV Antifreeze container to make sure it is not running low.
• Faucet’s, Start with the closest faucet to the farthest faucet. Open each faucet hot and cold sides. If you have an outside shower do the same process.
• Toilet, Flush the toilet to cycle the water valve until RV Antifreeze appears.
• City Water Hook Up, You have tow choices for doing this. 1) While the pump is on you can remove the small screen and push the valve in until RV Antifreeze comes out. Caution- The Water System is under Pressure. 2) Turn the water pump off and open a faucet to relieve the pressure and then push the valve in until you see RV Antifreeze.
• Depressurize, The water pump can be turned off and now open any faucet to relieve the pressure.
• Drains, A cup full of RV Antifreeze should be poured into each drain. You can also pour some RV Antifreeze into the toilet and flush it into the holding tank.
• Electric Water Heater, If your water heater is 110 volts, be sure to turn it off now that the water heater is empty. This is a good practice to protect the heating element if the RV is plugged into shore power.
• Final Steps, Close all faucets and consult the RV Owners Manual for additional steps to winterize washing machines and Icemakers.
• Give yourself a High Five, you have winterized your fresh water system.

Every RV is different and there could be procedures specific to your RV. Check the Owner’s Manual for additional procedures. This is a general check list and might not cover every step for every RV.

Reach us at our website: https://radioarizonarv.com/

RV Parts & Accessories: https://arizonarvpartscenter.com/

Our Sunshade Products: https://sunpromfg.com/

In episode 75 Eric reviews the Energizer Arc5 portable power station. You may remember Eric talking about this last week as the past two podcast recordings have been completely powered by the Arc5. He'll go over all of the important specifications and his experiences with using the Arc5 over the past couple of weeks. It truly opens up your possibilities for charging and running your electronics when you otherwise wouldn't have access to power. Having an extra source of power and one that's as reliable, portable, and is as easy to use as this just makes sense for every RVer to have one.Stay safe everyone and thank you for listening! Please subscribe, rate, and share if you enjoy!

Check Out the Arc5 Power Station:

RV Parts & Accessories: https://arizonarvpartscenter.com/

Our Sunshade Products: https://sunpromfg.com/

qHqppaVnjlmRW4DGqGY0

In episode 74 Eric does the dirty work and discusses black and grey RV water holding tanks. You'll learn everything involved in maintaining and making sure you prevent any possible issues regarding your RV holding tanks. He explains the differences between your two tanks and what the exact process is to make sure each tank stay functioning and clean. Eric goes over all the potential cleaning methods and gives you advice on which method he thinks is best. It's a dirty job but it needs done, make sure you listen to this episode to make sure you know how to reduce tank odor and keep everything as clean as possible.

 Stay safe everyone and thank you for listening! Please subscribe, rate, and share if you enjoy!

Reach us at our website: https://radioarizonarv.com/

RV Parts & Accessories: https://arizonarvpartscenter.com/

Our Sunshade Products: https://sunpromfg.com/

In episode 73 Eric discusses RV power cords and 110-volt adapters. Eric gives a follow up to previous topics such as properly greasing and caring for your wheel bearings, and reexamines statements regarding never buying products from certain companies again. You'll hear a covid-19 update in regards to the RV parts industry and an important reminder that you need to look out for price gouging. Making sure you have the correct power cords and adapters may seem simple but there is often confusion about what you need. Eric goes over everything you need in great detail so that you know you are purchasing the right cord/adapter for the job!

Stay safe everyone and thank you for listening! Please subscribe, rate, and share if you enjoy!

YouTube link: https://youtu.be/V_W71wt-2xs

Reach us at our website: https://radioarizonarv.com/

RV Parts & Accessories: https://arizonarvpartscenter.com/

Our Sunshade Products: https://sunpromfg.com/

In episode 72 Eric dives into how to properly maintain your motorhome chassis to help prevent issues down the road. You'll hear an update on the state of the RV industry during the covid-19 pandemic and what you should do if you need parts. Keeping mileage and date records for your parts is just as important here as it was for your trailer chassis. One of the keys to not being overwhelmed to performing maintenance on your motorhome chassis is to break it down bit by bit. Eric will go through step by step what you will need to do and be aware of so that you can stay on top of keeping your motorhome running well.

Stay safe everyone and thank you for listening! Please subscribe, rate, and share if you enjoy!

Reach us at our website: https://radioarizonarv.com/

RV Parts & Accessories: https://arizonarvpartscenter.com/

Our Sunshade Products: https://sunpromfg.com/

In episode 71 Eric talks about trailer chassis maintenance, whether it's a travel trailer, a fifth wheel, or any number of other trailers, all the principles will still apply. You'll learn how important and helpful keeping mileage and date records will allow you to be on top of problems before they arise. Eric will give a complete rundown of everything you need to do and check to maintain your trailer, from tires, breaks, wheel bearings, wiring, all the way to leaf springs and everything in between. Make sure you stay on top of your trailer's maintenance with these steps so that you can enjoy peace of mind moving forward.

Stay safe everyone and thank you for listening! Please subscribe, rate, and share if you enjoy!

Reach us at our website: https://radioarizonarv.com/

RV Parts & Accessories: https://arizonarvpartscenter.com/

Our Sunshade Products: https://sunpromfg.com/

In episode 70 Eric let's you know the best brands to buy from when searching for inverter style generators. Eric goes through a list of a lot of current day brands currently making inverter style generators and talks about who has been making the most reliable and best products in the current market. You'll learn why inverter style generators are most likely the best choice of generator for your RV. Eric also gives a covid-19 update from the perspective of finding RV parts in the current climate. Making sure you own a generator that is reliable and dependable will bring you peace of mind so that you can focus more important things.

The take away is really simple. If you can afford a Honda or Yamaha generator than purchase either one. If you want the same quality than purchase an Energizer generator. If all the above are out your budget then purchase any other brand. Listen to the podcast to hear why.

Stay safe everyone and thank you for listening! Please subscribe, rate, and share if you enjoy!

RV Parts & Accessories: https://arizonarvpartscenter.com/

Our Sunshade Products: https://sunpromfg.com/

In episode 69 Eric gives a definitive answer on fixing the popping noise that can happen with hydraulic leveling systems. Eric goes through each step from making sure all hydraulics are retracted, to finding your hydraulics reservoir and replacing some of the fluids with fork oil, to precautionary measures and making sure the fluids are cycled properly. You'll also hear a covid-19 update and to help illustrate how it has affected the RV industry Eric discusses the availability of twist on valve's and how to make your own since they are scarce. With everything happening, it's a vital skill to make sure you know how to fix your RV.

How to Make Your Own RV Twist On Valve!

How to Instructions from Lippert Components.

Introduction:

If there is a popping noise in a Lippert Leveling system, Lippert has approved adding a quart of anti-stiction

fluid. Approved fluids are listed by brand name and fluid characteristics below:

1. Torco RFF Grade 15 (Fig. 1)

2. Maxima Fork Oil Grade 15 (Fig. 2)

3. Caterpillar Hydraulic Oil Additive 1U-9891 (Fig. 3)

For maximum results in the shortest amount of time, please follow the preparation and procedure exactly

as written below. Failure to follow the preparation and procedure may result in delayed resolution of the

audible disturbance.

Preparation:

1. Obtain a clean container (large enough to hold a quart of fluid)

2. Obtain a fluid extraction device (siphon, turkey baster, etc.)

3. Fully retract all hydraulic cylinders and jacks.

Process:

1. Using the fluid extraction device, remove one quart of fluid from the power unit reservoir.

2. Add 1/2 quart of the specified fluid.

3. Extend all hydraulic cylinders and jacks fully.

4. Add the remaining amount of the specified fluid.

5. Fully retract all hydraulic cylinders and jacks.

6. Run the Auto-Level feature on the Level-Up system per the instructions found in the Owner's Manual.

NOTE: If the noise persists, the addition of a second quart may be necessary. Follow steps 1 through 6

Stay safe everyone and thank you for listening! Please subscribe, rate, and share if you enjoy!

Reach us at our website: https://radioarizonarv.com/

RV Parts & Accessories: https://arizonarvpartscenter.com/

Our Sunshade Products: https://sunpromfg.com/

In episode 68 Eric reviews the biggest names in RV toilets and what to look for to find the right toilet for you and your RV. Eric gives a COVID-19 update from the perspective of the RV parts industry and gives advice for what to do in the coming weeks and months. Eric will discuss his recommendation, how to go about installing it, common problems that can arise, and which toilets have easily replaceable parts. Knowing and understanding how to fix or replace your toilet is absolutely vital, so be sure not to miss this episode!

Stay safe everyone and thank you for listening! Please subscribe, rate, and share if you enjoy!

Reach us at our website: https://radioarizonarv.com/

RV Parts & Accessories: https://arizonarvpartscenter.com/

Our Sunshade Products: https://sunpromfg.com/

Boat Lines & Rope: https://hotbaotropes.com

In episode 67 Eric focuses on the cost-effectiveness and benefits of owning sun shades for your RV. With hotter temperatures already arriving, blocking out the sun and heat will help make your summer all the more enjoyable. Eric also gives an update on the current state of finding and obtaining RV parts through the COVID-19 pandemic. If you are looking for a more cost affordable DIY project in addition to keeping things cooler and protecting your RV's interior from the sun, sun shades are definitely worth thinking about!

Stay safe everyone and thank you for listening! Please subscribe, rate, and share if you enjoy!

Reach us at our websites: https://radioarizonarv.com/

RV Parts & Accessories: https://arizonarvpartscenter.com/

Our Sunshade Products: https://sunpromfg.com/