Practical motorhome maintenance tips from a well seasoned RV technician.
Tightwad was a hard-working RV technician with decades of experience. He was straight-to-the-point and a little rough on the edges, but he was also "RV-smart" and never found a problem he couldn't solve. When I, or one of our dealership's best customers had a problem with their RV, we learned to go to one of our dealership's most unique, but reliable techs, the aforementioned Tightwad.
The following tips, tricks, and good old common sense are true, but the names have not been changed. Tightwad is most definitely NOT innocent, and from what I've heard on the grapevine, he can protect himself just fine.
These tips are gems of RV wisdom from a seasoned, we really mean "Old" RV Technician. These are some common problems RV'ers run into at different times of the year.
Don't just peg the thermostat to the lowest position and leave it there all the time. The A/C has to "cycle" on and off or it'll freeze up. If it does freeze, turn the thermostat back 'till the compressor shuts off but the fan keeps runnin'. That'll thaw it out.
When you de-winterize your unit, don't forget to turn the bypass on the hot water heater back to normal operation... Unless you really need to take cold showers for some reason.
Have you cleaned the flue on your refrigerator lately? Well, guess what... Manufacturers say it should be cleaned at least once a year to assure maximum cooling performance.
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Are some of your gas appliances giving you trouble? Well, you probably haven't had your gas pressure checked lately now have you? I knew it. This is a common problem I've run into. Have it checked once a year!
Do you smell propane every now and then? It could be from lighting your stove or whatever... BUT, it could be a gas leak! Have a gas test done by a reputable technician to determine if there is a leak.
"My gas appliances aren't working for some reason!" In low temperatures, even early spring in some areas of the country (below freezing) your propane regulator can freeze because of moisture in the propane. Ask your propane dealer if an anti-freeze additive has been added.
Is your hot water heater spitting and sputtering and hard to keep lit? Try cleaning that spider's web out of the burner tube. No, he's not cooked... he just has a bad headache from the propane flowing through his nest.
Don't forget to cover up your heater vents with a screen mesh. If you don't, those pesky mud dobbers and wasps will clog up the whole works. This also applies to most of your other vent openings that make dandy insect condos.
If you're having trouble keeping your trailer cool, you might try adding window awnings, or at least tinting the windows. the more direct sunlight shining through the windows, the harder it'll be to keep cool. You can even draw the shades.
Has your A/C been freezing up? No, it's probably NOT low on freon. Your filter is probably clogged up! If your condenser or evaporator can't breathe it will freeze.
Don't just peg the thermostat to the lowest position and leave it there all the time. The A/C has to "cycle" on and off or it'll freeze up. If it does freeze, turn the thermostat back 'till the compressor shuts off but the fan keeps runnin'. That'll thaw it out.
If you happen to be one of the poor suckers who stay in the cold part of the country and freeze your knees off... (PG version) Now is the time to winterize your RV. Most people will drain all the holding tanks, and then run non-toxic antifreeze through the lines.
Be sure you have a water heater bypass installed, or you will be buying 6 to 10 gallons more antifreeze than you actually need.
Remove anything from the RV that can freeze and explode, like jars with liquid in them. Mrs. Tightwad learned this the hard way after not listening to me... hehehehe
Store your batteries indoors in a cool dry area. Do not store directly on the cement floor, raise them on a couple of 2 x 4's or put them on a shelf. Check the charge every month or so. If the batteries are stored on your RV, disconnect the terminal cables. This will prevent premature discharge of the batteries due to a ground in the electrical circuits or failure to turn a piece of electrical equipment off. Make sure your batteries are fully charged. If the batteries become discharged, the electrolyte can freeze when stored below freezing temperatures.
Turn off 12 Volt/110 Volt/propane to the refrigerator; defrost, clean; Use crumpled newspaper in the refrigerator afterward to eliminate odors during storage. I have personally been knocked unconscious for several minutes from being smacked in the face by an obnoxious odor when opening a refrigerator for the first time in the spring.
Cover all outlets and openings (Furnace, exhaust) with Duct Tape to prevent the establishment of rodent residences.
If you plan on using an RV in weather that's below freezing, it would be wise to invest in a unit with enclosed, heated holding tanks. (aka: "all season") You can as a last resort install heat blankets on the holding tanks themselves.
Heating an RV in the winter requires an adequate LP gas supply. LP gas tanks should be full for extended cold weather trips. RVers should also make sure only propane is used in the tanks, not butane. Butane will not work at temperatures below 32 degrees Fahrenheit.
Fill up your Fuel Tank (this prevents the buildup of moisture during the winter months in your fuel tank - possibly add Fuel Line Anti Freeze)
Winter campers should select a sunny campsite over a shady one, near a wind-break if possible. Park with either the front or rear of the RV into the wind. It is wise to make reservations ahead to ensure the campground is open. This'll save you the time of having to break someone's neck in the cold weather.
Tightwad - Disgruntled Ex-RV Tech
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