Making Modifications to Your RV

I get asked these questions alot: “Is it safe to modify my RV? What about my warranty? Will it be voided?” There is a lot of misinformation floating around about what constitutes a safe mod and what will void your warranty if you do certain kinds of mods. Many RV owners tend to be the “do-it-your-self” types and enjoy “doing the mod”. If you fall in to this group, you should carefully consider the implications of certain mods. You know that really expensive extended warranty that covers your RV “bumper-to-tongue” after the factory warranty runs out that you added when you purchased your new RV? It won’t help one bit if you do a mod that causes a failure on a covered part. So let’s look at what mods are safe to do and what just might cause you some grief down the road if you are not aware of your warranty conditions of coverage. Read more  Read More →

RV Weather Stations – Weather Junkies Rejoice!

It’s a fine line between observing severe weather and staying away from it. As an RVer, you can experience all kinds of weather situations. Knowing ahead of time what the weather will be during your travels and at your destination is usually easy information to come by. But if you are traveling to a remote area where you cannot readily get weather alerts, modifying your RV with a weather station can help forewarn you of impending severe weather. Read more  Read More →

Get Some Control Over Holding Tank Odors

Holding tank odors can be a real problem, especially if you don’t know how to deal with them. If you are new to the RV scene, this issue is perhaps the most popular complaint (aside from dead batteries!). When purchasing a new RV, part of the delivery process is explaining how to empty and rinse your holding tanks, as well as preventing holding tank odors by using chemicals. But on a particularly hot day, even chemicals can’t stop the odoriferous emanations gagging you out of your RV. It’s the same problem porta-potties have which everyone has probably experienced at one time or another. So what can you do to assist in controlling tank odors? Do the Lil’ Stanker holding tank fan mod. Read more  Read More →

Improving Todays RV Air Conditioning? A Better Design?

Pretty well any one that has gone from a furnace to hydronic heat in an RV, would never go back.  Not because there was anything really wrong with the Suburban type furnace, but due to the superior operation qualities found in the hydronic units.  Some of those benefits are better heat distribution, quieter operation and more operating efficiency.  So, why stop there?  Why not cool in the same manner?  The same closed circuit lines could be used for both heat or cooling utilizing the existing heat exchangers or air handlers.  The diesel and electric heating chamber would have to be modified somewhat from what is used today.  The ability for the hydronic heat to also heat the water service would, of course, not be there.  This could be accomplished with a smaller, separate dedicated water heater burner operating independently.  Read more  Read More →

Is Better Quality In The Future For RV’s?

Well, it just might. The RV industry has been crippled by this economic downturn like no time before.  It has been particularly hard hit as it was such a hot product considering the somewhat limited market.   Some say it will never be the same, and that may very well be, at least for many of our lifetimes.  But, it will recover and again grow.  Perhaps not in the galloping way it has of the past decade. Back in January I did an article on the quality, or lack thereof, of RV’s today. It was titled “Is There Quality In Today’s RV’s?”  (Link Here if you missed it)  It drew many comments with a variety of different points of view.  But now, could there be changes afoot?  There just might be, but not necessarily by design. Read more  Read More →

Replace Your RV Ceiling Vent – DIY

This video clip goes over the importance of proper ventilation in your RV and how to replace a ventilation system. The video goes over step by step process of installing a new ventilation system in your both the inside and outside steps. We recommend this one that comes with a remote – Fan-Tastic Ceiling Fan/Vent with Remote Control available at Camping World. Or you may want to try the Shurflo Ceiling Vents as an alternative.  Read More →

The RV Trivia Challenge No. 2

The Lug_Nut RV Trivia Challenge No. 2. If you did okay on the RV Trivia Challenge No. 1, you may be on the road to becoming an RV Guru.  Others may be settling into a well informed RV enthusiast while still some may well be slipping into an “RV For Dummies” candidate rating.   If you missed the first RV Challenge, here’s a link to it.   The RV Trivia Challenge Keep in mind, this is a trivia.  It is not based on one RV type rig.  So, regardless of your type of camping, there should be some things that are familiar. Well. Let’s get at it!  Be sure to post your score, and or comments, in the comment box at the very bottom.  Good Luck!!! The Lug_Nut RV Trivia Challenge No. 2 1) The hitch point of a 5th wheel trailer pivots the tow and towed vehicle  ………… A) At the rear most part of the tow vehicle B) Near, or over the axle of the tow vehicle C) It does not pivot, the trailer becomes part of the tow vehicle, similar to a bus 2) If your house battery bank was rated at 400 amp/hrs, how long should you run a 20 amp load on a fully charged bank? A) 10 hours B) 20 hours C) 40 hours D) 15 hour 30 minutes 3) What would the maximum output be of a 5000 watt generator operating in Denver Colorado? A) About 5000 watts B) About 5350 watts C) About 4225 watts D) About 4805 watts 4) What is meant by the term “3 way fridge”? A) It refers to a three door, side by side frig B) It has a fridge, a freezer and an ice maker C)... Read more

DIY – Electronic Prodigy Brake Control Installation for Your Trailer

In this video clip Stew Oleson and Bill Gehr will show you how to install an Tekonsha Prodigy electronic brake control for your tow vehicle.  Read More →

Getting The Most Out Of Your RV

Today, with RV’s costing so much money, both in the capital and operating costs, one has to get the most out of the equipment and features of their purchase.  So, how can an owner get the most out of the equipment and features from their current, or future, RV? The answer is pretty basic really: know how to operate and service each item that makes up the rig.  Surprisingly, or perhaps not, a large number of RV owners either do not thoroughly read the manuals, or do not retain much they are told or read.  Time and time again we hear or read of people asking elementary questions, like, “How do I get the chrome wheel cover off the wheel on my motor home?”  Also, one can not assume that a component on a new coach or trailer that appears similar to that of their last rig is, in fact, the same.   Perhaps many believe they already know how each component operates or maybe they don’t read the manuals as they are waiting for the movie to come out.        Knowing how to operate and carry out simple servicing and care of each component is a necessity to get the full value and maintain each in top condition.  To fully understand this requires the reading of each section of the manual, including those that seem most familiar, like the television set operation manual.   This one I can relate to first hand.  Back in October I purchased a digital TV converter for my rig, which is an ‘07, built in ‘06.  Dah!  It didn’t need one as... Read more

Kicking Your RV Fun Up A Notch!

No matter how comfortable, classy or fancy your RV, you still need something to do while vacationing or travelling the country.  Many choose golf, fishing or perhaps hiking.  One of the newest sport/hobby activities that is growing quickly, is rubber boating.  Now, when I say new, it certainly was for me, but there are folks that have been doing this for 10 years or more.  From what I was about to learn, and witness, this may very well have been one of the best kept secrets of how to discover the real Florida. So, what exactly is a rubber boat?  Well, it’s an inflatable boat that is made of a flexible material similar to PVC or vinyl.  It can be collapsed when not in use and blown up with an air pump when required.  Generally an outboard motor is used, and fastens on a built in transom.  The gasoline powered motors generally range from 2.5 horse power to 15, with the most common being 9.9 to 15.     This “Rubber Boat” sport, or hobby, is ideal for us RV enthusiasts.  Many of us can not tow a boat trailer as we are already towing a vehicle.  But, as a rubber boat can be deflated, it can easily be stored somewhere in the rig or in the towed vehicle.  Both the equipment and operating costs are very reasonable for the fun and enjoyment one can probably receive. A wide choice of makes are available such as Zodiac, Apex, Delphinus, Sea Eagle, and many more. I got my first experience at this “new to me” activity at the park I’m... Read more

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