See why parking your RV on grass is a bad idea. (Hint: rust forms in no time!) Plus, how to prevent RV rust and how to remove it once it appears. And 3 alternative parking on grass solutions you need to know.
Maintenance, Repairs & Add-Ons
If something on your RV isn't working, then you need to fix it. And if your RV doesn't meet your needs as is, then it's time to remodel it. Here, RV owners share tips for tackling DIY RV projects and remodeling RVs inside & out. See all of the RV repairs & maintenance tasks that you can actually do yourself on RV refrigerators, RV toilets, RV windows & windshields, RV generators, RV slideouts, RV brakes, RV tires, RV awnings, RV water tanks, RV batteries, even RV winterizing tips. Also, to make life more enjoyable inside, RVers share their favorite RV accessories -- like a new RV mattress, RV furniture, RV washer & dryer, towing equipment, solar panels, etc.
Must-Have RV Tools: 10 Items Every RVer Needs In Their RV Toolbox (Advice From Someone Who’s Been RVing Over 50 Years!)
What’s in your RV tool kit? Here’s a checklist of 10 must-have RV tools that you should always carry with you + 6 RV tool boxes that make traveling with tools much easier!
RV Resale Value: 10 Things That Increase The Value Of Your RV
RV resale value is a tricky thing. Because RV dealers are looking for trade-ins that still look like they just drove off the lot last week. And personal RV buyers may not have the same appreciation for what you think looks good inside an RV, or for the add-on features that you believe enhance RV life on the road. That said, there are a few things you can do to get more money for it when it comes time to sell your RV! Here are 5 ways to get a higher trade-in value from an RV dealer + 5 ways to get a higher RV resale value when selling your RV privately.
Used RV Values: 10 Things That Decrease The Value Of Your RV
See how much your RV is worth (RV values explained), plus the top 10 things that decrease the value of your RV. The biggest takeaways here are: 1) Seriously consider every single change you want to make to your camper BEFORE you make it, and 2) Evaluate the degree to which that change could be detrimental to your RV’s resale value (because not everyone will appreciate what you happen to like). So… pick the best RV for your needs from the get-go. Then, get out there and use it (rather than keep it parked). Take care of your camper… and use it!
RV Humidity & Condensation: Too Much Humidity And Too Little Humidity Are Both Bad For Your Camper… See Why + Quick Ways To Change It!
Too much humidity and too little humidity are both bad for your camper and your camping gear. See the #1 thing you need to do as soon as you get home, if it has rained on your camping trip! Plus, 5 steps to REDUCE RV humidity in damp, wet conditions and 4 steps to INCREASE RV humidity on dry, arid days. Everything you need to know about RV moisture levels, the perfect humidity level to maintain inside an RV, and how to solve RV window condensation problems.
How To Equip Your RV For Self-Rescue [In Case Your RV Gets Stuck In Mud, Sand, Grass, Or Ruts]
Every RVer will eventually make the mistake of turning down a road or path that won’t support their rig. The desire to explore remote camping locations makes the chance of getting stuck a real danger. It happened to me! Since then, I carry some specific RV gear and equipment with me at all times. See my list of RV self-rescue gear you need. Plus tips that I’ve learned firsthand to help you get out of a bad situation when you’re stuck in your RV.
Help! My RV Slide-Out Is Stuck… How Do I Adjust The Slide-Out Manually?
Is your RV slide-out stuck? As much as slide-outs improve livability in an RV, the mechanical issues can be a huge negative. And a stuck RV slide-out tends to happen fairly often. Here are some ways to manually adjust a slide-out that won’t budge.
RV Slide-Out Maintenance Tips + 4 Ways To Avoid Expensive RV Slide-Out Repairs
Here’s a list of the most common things that go wrong with RV slide-outs. See how to prevent those things from happening in the first place. Plus, how to fix them after they’ve happened. RV motorhome and trailer slide-out maintenance tips you need to know!
RV Battery Theft Protection: How To Lock RV Batteries To Prevent Them From Being Stolen (Yes, It’s A Thing)
How to prevent RV battery theft. A full time RVer’s thoughts on RV battery lock boxes & how to lock RV batteries affordably. All about RV battery theft protection!
How Long Does An RV Last? See The Life Expectancy Of Everything Inside Your RV
Just like the items inside your house, RV components have a certain life expectancy. Following is a list of all the items in and on your RV — and their expected lifespan. Items are listed in the order they are most likely to wear out, with time ranges showing the approximate number of years each item typically lasts. The list includes all major RV components — from the drivetrain and electronics to slideouts, roof vents, toilets, refrigerators, and more! A checklist of RV repair issues that you should be prepared for + DIY tips to make things last longer.
RV Maintenance Checklist For Spring – 8 Things You Must Check Each Year Before You Start RVing For The Season
How do you dewinterize an RV and get ready for summer RV camping? Our Spring RV Maintenance Checklist includes 8 tasks that will quickly verify that no damage was done by winter’s wrath while your RV was in storage and ensure that your RV is safe to drive for the spring and summer RV camping season.
RV Maintenance Checklist For Fall – Things You Should Check Each Year Before Winter
See a list of fall/winter RV maintenance tasks that are most important. These are the things you should do every year during the fall before winter hits. One of the MOST important is RV roof maintenance… see why!
DIY RV Dinette Replacement: How To Make Better Use Of Your RV Living Space By Removing The RV Dinette!
For me, the 3 most important items inside an RV are: a decent bed, a decent shower, and a decent kitchen. You’ll notice that an RV dinette is not on that list! Since a dinette is not an item that I use, I decided to remove it myself. Here’s how I tackled the RV dinette replacement myself… and put a comfy recliner in its place!
Getting To Know Your RV: Important RV Refrigerator Tips Before You Hit The Road
An RV refrigerator has some unique quirks about it. Common questions include: How level does an RV refrigerator need to be to work properly? Can you drive an RV with the refrigerator running on propane? Here is the best and fastest way to cool items in your RV refrigerator. Helpful tips for new RV owners and RV renters!
Winter RV Tip: How To Winterize Your RV Better Than An RV Dealer Would
Should you take your RV to a professional to have it winterized? Or is this something you can do yourself? The professionals are only concerned with what damage ice in the water system will do to your RV. Here’s how to do ALL of the RV winterizing yourself… according to someone who’s been winterizing RVs for over 50 years!
The Absolute Truth On How Fix A Clogged RV Toilet AND Eliminate The Possibility Of Future Clogs When RVing
The majority of online articles about unclogging an RV toilet were clearly written by someone who has never owned an RV — much less used an RV toilet! Here’s what you should NOT do if your RV toilet keeps clogging, what you SHOULD do to fix a clogged RV toilet, and how to prevent RV toilet clogs. Whether you have a regular RV toilet or an RV macerator toilet with a built-in grinder, I’m going to show you how to fix a clogged RV toilet once and for all!
How To Make Your Own RV Awning Room For Extended Outdoor Living By Using A 90% Sun Shade Tarp
Adding a sun shade tarp to make your own RV awning room will greatly improve the livability of your outdoor space AND reinforce the awning should modest wind or rain suddenly appear. If you want more RV awning shade, here’s how to do it… on a budget.
How To Make An RV Solar Power System Meet Your Specific Needs + Helpful Series vs. Parallel Wiring Tips
When boondocking or RVing full time and living off the grid, you will have to tailor your Solar Power System to meet your specific needs. Here are some clever ways to set up your RV Solar Power System. Plus, everything you need to know about solar arrays, your solar system’s batteries, and solar power wiring tips. See the differences between parallel vs serial wiring connections, and why I chose a series-parallel configuration for my RV solar installation.
A Fulltime RVer Shares Why A 200-Watt RV Solar Kit Is A Good Investment For Boondocking
When it comes to seriously looking at solar power as a dedicated source of electricity when boondocking, a great place to start is a 200-watt Solar Kit. Is 200 watts enough? Yes, it’s enough to power a refrigerator… and watch TV. Here’s what to look for when you’re buying an RV solar system. And remember… you can always add more solar power over time.
An RV Solar Suitcase Is A Super Simple RV Solar System That Requires No Electrical Knowledge… At All!
If you want to use solar power when you’re RVing, but you fear taking on a DIY project that involves wiring and mounting solar panels & charge controllers, an RV Solar Suitcase may be exactly what you’re looking for! Here are the pros and cons of using a Solar Suitcase for RV boondocking.
My DIY Cargo Van Conversion To A Class B RV – Step 3: Insulating The Floor, Roof, And Walls
My hands-on DIY cargo van insulation tips. See step-by-step how to insulate a van roof, how to insulate cargo van walls, and how to insulate a van floor. I’ve done it myself… and you can too!
RV Refrigerator Stop Working? Money-Saving Tips For Repairing vs. Replacing It
RV refrigerators can fail for a number of reasons. A common problem is when the refrigerator stops cooling properly — especially after it hasn’t been used in awhile. See how to solve a number of RV refrigerator repair issues yourself, online repair manuals for Dometic and Norcold refrigerators, and when it makes sense to replace instead of repair an RV refrigerator.
My DIY Cargo Van Conversion To A Class B RV – Step 2: Installing Items On The Roof (RV Solar Panels, A TV Antenna, And An RV Roof Vent)
For your DIY RV van conversion, you’ll want to start from the top down. That way, one step won’t interfere with another while constructing your Class B motorhome. First, determine which amenities you want to include. Then, install everything that you plan to have mounted on the roof before you do anything else. I’ll show you how to install RV solar panels, an RV vent, and a TV antenna on the roof of your RV van.
RV Level 4: This Simple RV Leveling System Is A Better Way To Level Your RV
Here is a list of all the ways the RV Level 4 beats other RV leveling systems I’ve tried: it’s easier to use, it runs on USB instead of batteries, the app works perfectly without changing the settings on your phone, the calibration switch is better than the others’, it’s more reliable (accurate within 1/10th of an inch), and it’s less expensive.
How To Remodel RVs & Motorhomes Yourself (…See How I Renovated Two 5th Wheel Trailers)
Is it time to remodel your RV? Oh, how I’ve enjoyed remodeling RVs and travel trailers… Here are my best tips doing the RV renovation yourself. Plus where to find RV parts & accessories, and RV renovation companies that will do the work for you if you like.
A List Of Clever Uses For Spring Clamps While Camping & RVing
See why I think a cheap set of spring clamps are the RVer’s equivalent to a Swiss army knife. Here’s my list of clever uses for spring clamps while RVing and camping — from making a DIY camper awning to holding curtains open, keeping your dog safe while setting up camp, and drying a few items on a camping clothesline. There are SO many ways to use spring clamps in and around the RV!
RV Refrigerator Repair 101: How To Diagnose Problems With RV Refrigerators Yourself
RV refrigerator not cooling? I can help you find the problem! I’m going to walk you through the steps of DIY RV refrigerator repair. Then, if it still doesn’t work, I’ll let you know when it’s time to throw in the towel and call a professional to fix your RV fridge. Whether you have a Norcold refrigerator, a Dometic refrigerator, or some other RV refrigerator… I can help!
RV Windshield Replacement Cost: Here’s What You Can Expect If You Need To Fix A Rock Chip Or Replace A Cracked Windshield
Whether you’ve got a rock chip (that will lead to a cracked windshield in no time, or an RV windshield that needs replaced for some other reason. Here’s what I’ve learned firsthand about RV windshield replacement cost vs RV windshield repair cost.
RV Refrigerator Doors Warped? Here’s How To Repair & Prevent Warped Wood Door Panels On Your RV Refrigerator
The wood door panels on your RV refrigerator expand, contract, and absorb water — because wood is a living, breathing product that changes with the weather. After spending 8 months in the heat & humidity of Florida, when I relocated to the deserts of Arizona for the winter, it took only a few weeks for the wood door panels on my refrigerator to warp! To prevent this from happening to you, be sure to regularly treat all wood surfaces in your RV with an oil-based furniture polish. See how I repaired the warped doors on my RV refrigerator – and you can too.
RV Mattress Reviews: The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly!
Here’s how to tell what size RV mattress you have now and where to find replacement camper mattresses. Plus my personal experience with several different RV mattresses. TIP: If you can’t afford a new camper mattress, try a memory foam mattress topper!
Got Issues With Your Computerized RV Leveling Jacks? Low Battery Light On? My Simple RV Hydraulic Leveling Jacks Repair Tips
RV leveling jacks giving you problems? Here’s how to troubleshoot what’s going on. I’ll show you how to find the source of the problem step-by-step and repair your RV levelers yourself!
RV Water Tank Repair: How To Replace A Leaking RV Black Or Gray Water Tank Drain Valve
Replacing the waste valve assembly is a low-cost DIY project that any RV owner can do easily. Here’s how to do it – step by step, with photos and videos.
How To Wire Solar Panels For RV Boondocking In A Teardrop Trailer
Solar panels for RV trailers (like small teardrop trailers) are popular today. Here are my best tips for installing RV solar panels and wiring them correctly
How To Install RV Solar Panels On A Small Teardrop Type Trailer
When you’re boondocking, it’s much more convenient to get your power from RV solar panels, instead of running the RV generator all the time!
Want To Color Coordinate Your Motorhome With Your Toad? Here’s How To Paint RV Stripes Yourself
I added some orange RV stripes to mimic the color of my Jeep toad. Now my motorhome and my Jeep match! It was easy. Here’s how to paint stripes on your RV.
RV Converter Go Bad? Here’s How To Install A Replacement RV Inverter
The Heart Interface Inverter went bad in my 1993 Diesel Pusher RV. Having it repaired would cost a fortune. So I replaced it with a 1750-watt RV inverter.
DIY Evaporative Cooler: How To Make A Swamp Cooler For Your RV To Save On Air Conditioning
To save on RV air conditioning, I made a swamp cooler for my motorhome. A commercial evaporative cooler costs $400+. My DIY model cost less than $50 to make
DIY RV Plumbing Repair: How To Prevent Permanent Damage After An RV Leak
Have an RV plumbing leak? You must act quickly! The only way to prevent mold from growing inside your RV is to dry out the area fast using these 4 tips.
How To Find RV Brake Parts For Old Motorhomes
When the brakes went out on my 22-yr-old motorhome, it became a challenge to find RV brake parts. Here’s good info if you need to find old RV parts!
How I Organized And Protected The RV Wiring For Electronics In My Motorhome
When you buy a used RV, you work with what you’ve got. For my latest RV project, I re-organized the RV wiring to make it neater & safer. Here’s how I did it
How Hidden Electrical Connectors Cause RV Breakdowns… Like The Day My RV Air Conditioner Went Out
If your RV air conditioner fails like mine did, check for hidden electrical connectors that have gone bad. Here’s what to look for & how to fix it yourself.
A DIY RV Windshield Sun Shade Idea: Reflective Bubble Wrap Insulation Makes Your Motorhome Much Cooler Inside Without Running The AC!
Some RVers put reflective bubble wrap insulation on all RV windows. I just put it on the RV windshield. It’s the easiest way to keep your RV cool in summer!
RV Batteries & Alternators: The Easiest Way To Check Your RV Charging System Is To Use A Multimeter
RV batteries need routine maintenance. Here’s what you need to know before replacing an RV battery or alternator. Plus how to correctly use a multimeter.
RV Computer Desk: How To Make A DIY Computer Workstation For Your RV Office
We bought an older motorhome with a refrigerator-sized icemaker placed in the center of the living room. It had to go! Here’s how I removed the RV ice maker
How To Remove An Unwanted RV Ice Maker
We bought an older motorhome with a refrigerator-sized icemaker placed in the center of the living room. It had to go! Here’s how I removed the RV ice maker
Need New RV Carpet? Here’s How To Install Carpet In Your Motorhome Yourself
Here’s an RV project you can definitely do yourself! See how I installed new carpet in my 20-yr-old motorhome using a large carpet remnant I got for $45.
DIY Electric Brake Controller Instructions: How To Wire Electric Trailer Brakes & Lights Without Damaging Your Car!
Car didn’t come with a tow package? And you want to use an electric brake controller for your trailer? Use these tips to keep from frying your car’s wiring!
Avoid An RV Rodent Infestation: How To Keep Mice Away From Your RV (…And Squirrels & Other Rodents Too)
I finally found how to keep mice away from my camper! Here are 6 ways to avoid a rodent infestation and keep mice, squirrels & rats from damaging your RV.
How To Replace Your Failed RV Speedometer With A GPS Speedometer
RV speedometer in your old motorhome doesn’t work properly? Step-by-step instructions to replace your speedometer / odometer with a modern GPS speedometer.
The Best RV Cleaners & Protectants To Protect The Finish On Your RV & Keep It Looking Like New
Washing the exterior of your RV with a mild detergent may keep it clean, but it will do little to protect the finish from the damage that direct sunlight will do. Here’s how to safely get a clean RV, protect the finish of your RV, and keep it looking like new.
