Any RV Service and Maintenance Questions?

15 Responses to “Any RV Service and Maintenance Questions?”

1. Rick Bourne on March 5th, 2008 6:16 pm
   

   I’d love to understand more about how my rig’s (2002 Winnebago Journey DL) charging/inversion system is structured and operates. How does the engine charging circuit interconnect with the genset and how do the engine batteries interact with the house batteries?
2. Chris Bryant on March 5th, 2008 7:09 pm
   

   Hi Rick- thanks for the feedback!!
3. FredKensinger on March 5th, 2008 9:25 pm
   

   Criss We been having black water odor enter ing up from the bath sink cabinet Tried every thing to pin point it, can’t find problem.vent is open, no visible evidence of leakage when i fill the tank with water.only seems to notice when tank in 1/2 or more full. any suggestions. Thank Fred [ PS I'm new to your page.]
4. Ted442 on March 6th, 2008 11:03 am
   

   I would like to hear about motorhome roof maintenance. There are many different
   products on the market for this. All my Georgie Boy owners manual says is to keep
   it clean. It recommends using spic & span cleaner. I don’t even know how to
   determine if it is a rubber roof or not. What other kinds are there and what do you
   recommend to clean and/or treat them with?

   Thanks,

   Ted442
5. Craig & Jackie on March 6th, 2008 1:59 pm
   

   Chris,

   My ‘96 Mountain Aire Class A did not come with an inverter. There are times when we’d like to run a pot of coffee in the morning or watch the late news without running the generator.

   I’ve just purchased a 1200W Pure Sine inverer. My plan is to install it in the rear, electrical compartment and plug the park electrical umbilical into it when we boondock and want some ‘quiet’ power. I’ll of course be sure all other A.C. items are off (run the frige on propane, etc) and not expect it to operate the roof A/C unit. With two deep cycle 12VDC supply batteries, I was wondering what your thoughts are about this wiring set-up. I realize that the converter/charger will run from this source, drawing power and which of course will not recharge at a rate in excess of consumption. I guess I could put a switch in the line to cut that out if consumption is an issue there.

   Your thoughts?

   Craig Werner
   La Center, Washington
6. Raymond Laubert on March 6th, 2008 2:02 pm
   

   I realize this isn’t a pleasent topic, but we have a valve on the black tank that no longer closes. So it needs to be replaced. I have no idea how to go about prepping the blacktank prior to removing the shutoff valve. Also anything I should know before doing this. It appears very simple. Four screws and it should come off… but MURPHY has to be there somewhere.

   Thanks
7. Curt on March 6th, 2008 6:55 pm
   

   Rubber roof-5 yrs old but stained from oak trees-would you put coating on it or just clean & treat?
8. Ed Parchaiski on March 9th, 2008 11:45 am
   

   Chris,
9. Ed Parchaiski on March 9th, 2008 12:01 pm
   

   Chris,

   Sorry about that hit the wrong key. We have recently purchased a 2008 Dolphin LX Nov. 2007. On our maiden voyage, we had a problem with our Colman basement air. The fan is hitting the sqirrel cage and making a clicking noise. When we arrived at our destination, we called the RV dealer where we bought the unit, and were told of the situation with National. Long story short, we had the unit looked at in Florida by a local RV mobile service, and was told that the unit was welded in, and would need to be cut out to be repaired. Upon contacting the place we bought it, they informed me they could not look at it as the coach needed to be lifted up, essentially we are on our one. My question is, have you heard of anyone else having this problem as we connot contact National.

   Would appreciate any advice.

   Thanks
   Ed Parchaiski
   New London,Ct.
10. Casey Balvert on March 16th, 2008 7:47 am
    

    Chris, I always look for your posts as I find them very informative. RV appliances can be a source of frustration when they don’t work properly. So keep up the posts in the format you have been providing. A spring RV reefer tune up article would be helpful this time of year. I do the annual maintenance and testing recommended by Dometic but some “how to” tips with pictures would be good.

    Casey
11. Eric on March 17th, 2008 7:30 pm
    

    I’d like to know what the pros and cons are for boondocking with a HydroHot system vs a regular propane furnace vs catalytic lp heater. I’m looking at usually night time use only like in the 40’s. ie - desert use in the winter.
    Thanks,
    Eric
12. Jim on March 27th, 2008 6:18 am
    

    Chris,

    These posts are great! Keep them coming!

    I’m interested to know more about how to clean and maintain my Alpha systems rubber roof and the fiberglass sides on my travel trailer, which is a 2005 Jayco 298BHS.

    Thanks again!

    Jim
13. Gerald Hoskins on March 30th, 2008 3:43 pm
    

    Chris,
    These post are exactly what I was looking for. We have a 1984 Southwind MH, a 1980’s 14′ Kit trailer,and a 1991 or so 36′ Dutchman at a park. There is always something that needs repair on this group. Keep the articles coming! We will use everything you post at one time or another!! Thanks. I am putting these post in my owner manuals for future reference.
14. John on April 26th, 2008 4:52 am
    

    Would love to see a blog on maintaining an Atwood 6 gallon hot water heater. You did such nice job on the Norcold an Atwood would be a nice complement.
15. Herb on May 6th, 2008 11:42 am
    

    Chris,

    I need information for maintaining the roof on older rigs that have already been coated. Do they need a second coat as they age? Or if the appear sound and intact just periodic cleaning, mostly sweeping as the unit is in a low rainfall climate year around.

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