Satellite in your RV are you tuned in?
This article is about Satellite TV for RV’s. If you are looking for information about the digital conversion taking place in June Click Here Satellite television is a good choice for an RV. Satellite service is very similar to a home system. The primary difference is in the antenna (dish). There are a variety of dishes available that will work. A basic “portable” dish provided by a service provider can work several ways.... [Read More...]
11 Steps to get your RV Ready for Spring
You need to prepare your RV for the first use of the season. Here is a list of 11 important items and systems to inspect and test. 1. Outside: One of the biggest problems we see with RV’s is water leaks. Look at all caulking to be sure it is not cracked or missing. This includes caulking around windows, doors, all roof vents and seams. Even the smallest crack will allow water to intrude. 2. Tires: Visually inspect... [Read More...]
Gas Mileage – How to $ave
For years curiosity has kept me searching for the most economical way to drive. I have found that a variety of driving techniques work depending on the variables in vehicles. Obviously driving an RV differs from driving a car. RV’s take much longer to accelerate up to speed than cars. The power to weight ratio is the key factor. While RV’s typically have larger engines and more power than cars, the amount of horsepower to weight... [Read More...]
RV Holding Tanks
Holding tanks are the built in tanks that hold any waste coming from your RV. Typically, there are a series of tanks. Tanks that hold waste water coming from sinks and showers are termed “gray” tanks. Tanks that hold sewage are termed “black” tanks There are procedures that should be followed to use the holding tanks properly. Gray tanks simply hold waste water. Any water going down a drain will end up in a gray tank. In some... [Read More...]
RV Battery
The batteries in your RV are the “heart” of the electrical system. Good batteries with the proper charge are important for many reasons. There are a variety of items that depend on battery power to function. In an RV, the batteries power basic items such as lights and water pumps. Batteries also power many items you may not think of, such as the electronic igniter for the water heater, roof vent electric fans, the antenna booster... [Read More...]
M&G Braking for RV Coaches with Air Brakes
M&G braking is a good choice for coaches with air brakes. The advantage M&G has over other braking units is inside the towed vehicle. There is nothing to install inside. The braking unit attaches to the brake master cylinder under the hood. It is operated by air pressure coming from the coach. It applies the brake by pushing the rod connected to the master cylinder just as the brake pedal does while driving. M&G braking is not available... [Read More...]
RV Refrigerator
Make sure you have read and understand Basic Power before reading this article. An RV refrigerator is quite different than a conventional refrigerator. RV refrigerators are a heat absorption type instead of a compressor type. They almost always feature 2 way operation. 1 way is 120 volt ac electricity and 1 way is L.P. gas. Most modern RV refrigerators have an automatic feature. When in the automatic position, they... [Read More...]
RV Basic Power – What you need to know.
This article is the first in an on-going RV Educational Series. Each article is designed to help you get the most out of your RV An understanding of basic RV electric power is necessary before you take your first RV vacation. RV’s have 3 power sources 12 volt dc power, power cord connection and 120V AC power. All 3 are necessary in certain circumstances. As you read educational articles “Coach” refers to the camper portion... [Read More...]
RV Generators
There are several types of generators made. An RV generator must be used in any enclosed compartment. RV generators are set up with a cooling system, air intake, and exhaust system to follow code restrictions for RV’s. Stand alone generators can not be used in RV’s. There are a variety of companies that make RV generators. I will refer to Onan in this article. Other makes use similar designs. There are 3 fuels ... [Read More...]
What’s that Rotten Egg Smell??
Leaving water with sulfur content in a water heater can cause rotten egg odor. 11 steps to “Fresh Hot Water” The proper procedure for tank flushing is as follows: Turn off the water supply (water pump and/or city water) Relieve all pressure by opening hot and cold water faucets or opening the water heater pressure-temperature relief valve Drain the water heater by removing the drain plug and then reinstall the plug Remove... [Read More...]