The Smart RVer: DIY RV Maintenance and Repair

In this Episode I answer the questions Randy submitted via email.

My rig is a 50 amp, 2 a/c units and wondering what I would need for a generator to operate 5th wheel safely when we are away from campgrounds and what brand.

Ok another question, don’t know if you deal with tires. My new 2017 Forest River Rockwood Signature Ultra Lite 5th wheel has Castle Rock ST225/75R15 tires and I read numerous postings that these are China tires and they call them China bombs and they are rated load range D. I am sure we are will be running heavy with all they new stuff. We should be ok with these tires for a while I hope. I am thinking about maybe American made Goodyear endurance tires load range E. Any thoughts.

The 5th wheel came with a grill to hang on the side of the slide out and it has a propane hose to quick connect to the rv, we want to use the road pro grill we have had for several years but I need to adapt from my auxiliary propane bottle hose we was using to our new quick connect on the 5th wheel to about a 15′ hose and fitting to the road pro grill, our road pro has what I think is a pressure regulator at the grill, so do I need this regulator if I am tapping into my new rv quick connect which I assume would be coming through the rv’s pressure regulator ?

On the slides measurements:

Left large slide 151″ outside edge to outside edge. (Has stove, refrigerator, couch)

Left closet slide 69 1/4″ outside edge to outside edge.

Right large slide 115 3/4″ outside edge to outside edge. (Has dinette set, tv, fireplace)

Thank you

Randy

The post ↓Episode 29 – Answering Questions From Randy appeared first on Radio Arizona RV.

In this Episode Eric Stark explains in simple terms the steps you should take to get an accurate price quote and what brand Eric prefers. Eric also explains why there could large gaps in price quotes if you are price shopping. Some points might seem to be elementary but I base my information on and how questions related to Slide Out Awnings are asked. I also find if the question is not asked right or properly understood the results will be less than satisfactory.

The post ↓Episode 28- Answering Questions about Purchasing Slide Out Awnings appeared first on Radio Arizona RV.

Today we see that the automotive industry does everything in it’s power to build a better product and provide a customer service experience that will make you want to be a loyal customer. Where as, the RV Industry is building RV’s with more electronics and taking advantage of new technologies and giving the perception of building a better product. The RV Manufacturer has long been known for cutting corners and doing things to save money that no other reputable industry can get away with.

The point of this Podcast is not to discourage someone from buying an RV or giving up on the RV Lifestyle, it is an effort to educate the RV’er to become a better consumer and avoid some the pitfalls of buying a new RV. Listen Now to Learn More About Purchasing a New RV!

The post ↓Episode 27 – The RV Manufacturer Today Disregards Quailty appeared first on Radio Arizona RV.

The purchase of Power Gear by Lippert Components took place in June of 2014 and has resulted in a decline in customer service for dealers and RV’ers alike. Power Gear was a good company to work with before being purchased by Lippert Components. Although Power Gear did raise their prices substantially before the purchase. We experienced 20%-40% price increases. For example: A power Gear motor that cost $200 went to $500 my cost. That is a substantial increase and Power Gear could never give a good explanation for the radical increases.

After the purchase Lippert Components raised the prices again and also started the unfriendly task of assigning all Power Gear and Kwikee parts with Lippert part numbers. This will create confusion for years to come. Power Gear and Kwikee numbers have been populating the internet for decades and all of the dealers have only used Power Gear and Kwikee numbers. It will take years to get the world transformed to Lippert numbers. It was a ridiculous move and it just exemplifies the “who cares’ attitude by Lippert. It is also displayed in the quality most of Lippert products.

Listen Now to Episode 26.

The post ↓Episode 26 – Lippert Components & Power Gear appeared first on Radio Arizona RV.

The big deal about the small projector is that you can connect it to just about any Computer, iPad, iPod, iPhone and Android device with simple and inexpensive adapters. You have the technology to connect to an awesome projector. Here is the other plus to using a projector. You can now get out of the RV and move outside to watch movies with as many friends and family members you can pack around your RV or Trailer. With a projector all you need is a flat wall or you can hang a sheet to make a projector screen.

 To Learn more about Pico Projectors by AAXA Click Here!

Adapters for Apple Products and Android devices are available in most electronic stores or on the internet.

The post ↓Episode 25 – Entertainment w/ TV, Movies & Pico Projectors appeared first on Radio Arizona RV.

Sniff n Stop is a product that works and in this Episode I break down how well it works based on

my own personal experience with it. Sniff n Stop is distributed by Valterra Products to the RV Industry and they offer some of the best products in the industry and Valterra is an honest and trusted company that has withstood the test of time and has served the RV Industry for decades.

Not to mention, Sniff n Stop has been around for decades being used in other industries and it is now available to the RV’er.

Sniff n Stop is available @ Arizona RV Parts Center

The post ↓Episode 24 – Pest Control w/ Sniff n Stop appeared first on Radio Arizona RV.

In this Episode I talk about safety and how to Identify and explain what you are looking for when you go to the parts guy. Quite often the terminology makes it hard for you to explain and harder for the Parts Guy to see your vision. I lay it out in simple terms. I also explain certain things that have to work in specific ways for additional appliances to work properly.

LP Fitting and Adapter Catalog

Check Out Arizona RV Parts Center for LP Fittings and Accessories.

The post ↓Episode 23 – LP Fittings & Adapters Part 2 appeared first on Radio Arizona RV.

This is Part 1 of the LP Fitting episodes. The point of this episode is to help RV’ers to keep safety at the forefront when repairing their LP system. The proper tools should always be used along with properly checking for leaks after any repair that is done. The simple way is to use the liquid leak detector that bubbles up. You can buy it ready made or make your own with dish soap and water.

It is also important to buy quality LP Hoses and Regulators! I recommend that you only buy LP Hoses and Regulators that are made by companies that specialize in LP Hoses and Accessories. There is some Junk on the market and I would recommend that you avoid any LP Hoses and Regulators that are made by companies that make dish drainers, toilet chemicals and other non-LP related products. Safety First!

This episode brings attention to replacing an Auto Change Over Regulator that is mostly found on Trailers with 2 LP Tanks. It also delves into some basics when replacing a regulator and some things that should be done at the same time such as, replacing the Propane Hoses. It adds to the cost but, it just makes the job complete. I explain in some detail about LP fittings that are found on RV and how to seal them properly.

Listen Now to Hear the Details! Check Out Episode 23 for More Information on Fittings and Adapters.

This link will will open a Catalog with all of the common Propane Fittings, Adapters and LP Hoses for Recreational Vehicles and Travel Trailers. LP Fitting and Adapter Catalog

Check Out Arizona RV Parts Center for LP Fittings and Accessories.

The post ↓Episode 22 – Propane Fittings Part 1 appeared first on Radio Arizona RV.

RV’ers everywhere stay in well kept, safe and secure RV Parks. Rv’ers everywhere bring their bicycles with them and should take advantage of the security found in most RV Parks. To ride a bike on a busy street takes the fun right out of it and it creates a situation that is not safe nor inviting. In my area the roads are very rough along the shoulder and there are tractors, buses and large pieces of equipment continuously using the roads and it is a hazard for the most cautious bicyclist. Riding a bike is a great way to get exercise and we all need that. Exercise is an important part of life as we get older. RV Parks can become the safe place to ride without any anxieties of riding on local streets and highways. In an RV Park the roads are usually flat and maintained to give you a safe and comfortable place to get that much needed exercise.

Don’t over think this, just buy a bike that you can afford and is in good condition if it is used. You may need a bike with gears or maybe no gears will work for you, the point is to get a bike if don’t already have one and start exercising. Start out with some simple rides to get familiar with the bike and RV Park and build on that. Make it a daily routine and before you know it you will feel better and have more energy.

This a great way to exercise and it can be a lot of fun with some imagination. You could get others to join and create groups to ride with and when others are involved they can motivate you and you them. You could make competitive and fun at the same time by having some races with simple awards.

Listen to the Full Episode Now!

The post ↓Episode 21 – Riding Your Bike in an RV Park appeared first on Radio Arizona RV.

Wasp Action Cameras are nice way to capture those moments on your ATV, 4 Wheel Drive, Pedal Driven Bicycle or whatever your passion is. This is a great product available at reasonable prices. GoPro is the Gold Standard but Wasp is the undisputed Champion for providing quality at affordable prices for the the guy who just wants to record some footage without the price tag and complicated equipment.

More and more RV’ers are riding ATV’s and enjoying 4 Wheel Drive vehicles and the Wasp Action Cameras are an inexpensive way to record by video or use the still camera function to capture some of those moments that are just to hard to explain. A picture is worth a thousand words! The Wasp 9902 and 9905 are two easy to use and operate cameras and are very affordable. Below you will find links to purchase and the owners manuals.

Click the Play Button and Listen to the Entire Episode!

Wasp – Gideon 9902/9904 Manual

Wasp – Tact 9905 Manual

Check Out the 9905 and 9902 @ Arizona RV Parts Center

The post ↓Episode 20 – WASPcam Action Cameras appeared first on Radio Arizona RV.