Rv Maintenance Tips And Information For The Diy

https://radioarizonarv.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/battery.jpg ()↓There can be a fair amount of confusion about the best way to store an RV Battery during the off season. In this episode I break it down to simplify the process and make some nice product recommendations along the way. In most scenarios the RV’er is storing his battery during the cold winter months and typically not during the hot summer months. The methods can adapted to either situation, hot or cold. The summer heat can damage a battery as much as poorly stored battery during the cold months. ↓The bottom line is to keep the battery case and posts clean and keeping the battery properly charged during the storage process . If your battery is going to be stored in the RV during the winter months you will want to make sure that it has a full charge and this will prevent it from freezing. Some have said that an RV Battery will freeze if left in the RV during storage and that is not true unless the temperature drops 

https://radioarizonarv.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/718BQijKpML._SL1500_.jpg ()In Episode 43 I break down purchasing either an Adco or Classic RV Cover for storing your RV, Travel Trailer or Fifth Wheel in challenging climates. I am only going to spend time talking about Adco and Classic RV covers because they are mainly in the RV Cover business and have great reputations. I have sold other covers and at the end of the day I always default back to Adco and Classic. After being in Arizona for many years I came to the conclusion an RV Cover whether it is for a travel trailer or motorhome will quite often only last for one summer due to the constant heavy winds. The wind, not the sun, tears them apart before the summer is over. Even if all of the edges and corners of the RV were protected the covers just did not last. I finally stopped selling them. That is, I gave a strong warning about how long they would last and for the most part talked the RV owner out of buying a cover that would probably only

https://radioarizonarv.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/PDLogo.jpg ()In Episode 42 I discuss the 4 Major Brands of RV Power Converters that are commonly found in most RV’s providing power to the RV’s 12 volt system. This an interesting topic due to the similariteis of each power converter. Also, all 4 brands boast great products, excellent customer service and a very small defective/return rate. I have neglected to mention the 4 brands by name; https://www.progressivedyn.com/ (Progressive Dynamics) (PD), https://wfcoelectronics.com/ (WFCO) (woofco), https://www.iotaengineering.com/power.htm (Iota) and http://www.parallaxpower.com/ (Parallax). They are not named in order other than this is how I listed them for this article. I certainly gained an equal amount of respect for each brand and walked away knowing each one has a place in the RV Industry. I am asked questions almost daily about RV Power Converters and which one should be used to replace one that has bitten the dust. I have to say I almos

Episode 41 – This episode is about simple repairs that can keep your vacation on track. I recap some of the recent conversations I have had with customers about certain maintenance items that can ruin a trip if not taken care of.  We are in fire season in many parts of the country and rather than be surprised by smoke and fire plan ahead but, do not cancel your trip, just go elsewhere. I once again urge everyone to get organized when it comes to parts and items that need to be replaced on the RV. There are several apps that work with PC’s, Mac’s and portable devices. The post https://radioarizonarv.com/%e2%86%93episode-41-everyday-minor-repairs-can-ruin-trip/ (↓Episode 41 – Everyday Minor Repairs that can Ruin A Trip) appeared first on https://radioarizonarv.com (Radio Arizona RV). Support this podcast

Episode 40 – I cover some ground on the move to Montana and explain why I bought so many new tires for the move. My Toy Hauler tires just made it to the tire shop 10 miles from my house. The Utility trailer tires didn’t make it out of driveway. There were lot of things happening during the move  and I wanted make sure I had little or no problems on the highway with any of our trailers and vehicles. My focus was going 1200 miles without a break down. And we did make to Victor without any major issues. That really is not a surprise considering I do maintain my vehicles. I also had to make a 22″ escape hatch lid out of scrap aluminum before we hit the road due to mine (Ventline) no longer being available. I preferred not to replace the entire escape hatch so I wouldn’t ruin the seal on the roof.  It worked just fine without any leaks on the road and in the heavy rains after we arrived. There are a lot of concerns that might run through your mind while you are traveling and I certainly ha

https://radioarizonarv.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/EcoPurificationSystem.jpeg ()Episode 39 covers RV UV-LED Water Filtration as the newest technology to provide Clean Pure Drinking Water in any RV at a an affordable price. We sell the https://acuvatech.com/ (Acuva) brand RV LED Water Filter System. This system completely remove all of the nasty things in water that other systems can’t remove. Call us for prices. Surge Protection is the other topic I covered in this Episode and how important they can be to protect the RV’s electronics and appliances that use 110 volt. Surge Guard and Progressive Dynamics are the 2 brands I recommend because it is the brand I have grown to trust and sell problem free. I also explain some of the awesome changes coming to our new location in Victor Montana. The changes are going to be awesome and provide a completely different customer experience not found in the RV Industry. Listen Now! The post https://radioarizonarv.com/%e2%86%93episode-39-rv-surge-protectio

https://radioarizonarv.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/outdoor-rv-storage.jpg ()In Episode 38 I do a brief update on our move to Victor, MT and spend most of the show talking about prepping for summer and some of the important basics that go along with vacation prep. Everybody has their own routines that match their RV and that usually works so, I just give some reminders and spend some time on sealing the roof because in most parts of the country it rains almost regularly in the summer. I also touch on trailer tires and suspension and the importance of quality brake controllers. And as always I push the DIY aspect of owning an RV and the importance of maintaining your RV and especially having the confidence to do it yourself! Listen Now! The post https://radioarizonarv.com/%e2%86%93episode-38-move-update-and-rv-prep-for-summer/ (↓Episode 38 – Move Update and RV Prep for Summer) appeared first on https://radioarizonarv.com (Radio Arizona RV). Support this podcast

https://radioarizonarv.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Moving-Images.jpg ()We are moving to Victor Montana! Yes, that is correct, we are relocating to Victor Montana in the middle of May 2018. Due to family illness Karen and I have decided the best thing to do is move to Montana so she can be closer to her mom in the the last months of her life. We also decided that we would relocate Arizona RV Parts, our brick and mortar store as well. We still need to work and are able so why not move it all and be there for her mom and and enjoy some beautiful surroundings. This is a planned a move and now that we are sure of it, we will be very public and let all of our customers know to the best of our ability. Let me emphasize, we are relocating, not going out of business nor are we leaving Wellton, AZ because of shady business practices. I suggest listening to the Podcast and hear all of the details for yourself. Below are links to the website branding our new name, Highway 93 RV. The podcast will carry on under the sam

https://radioarizonarv.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/proflex.jpg ()In this episode I cover the essentials of what type of sealants to use on your RV. I briefly cover what is needed for a Rubber Roof because I have done a previous on sealing a rubber roof and the Sealants I recommend are made by Dicor, they specialize in rubber roofs. I also am a fan of Dicor products for maintaining and repairing rubber roofs.  In this episode I use a window as an example of how to seal just about anything on the side of your RV although, the principle holds true for the roof as well. A window typically uses the same process and sealants that compartment door would use as well as an entrance door. The main thing to do in any application is clean the surfaces thoroughly and use Butyl tape to as the main seal and a sealant such as Proflex to seal the top of the window or whatever it is that you are resealing. I also explain the differences in Butyl  Tape and Putty Tape and why you should use Butyl Tape in almost all reseal job

https://radioarizonarv.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Tools.jpg () Not sure of what tools you should carry in your RV Tool Box? As an RV’er you never know when your RV is going to need a repair whether it is on the road or camping at your favorite get away. The one thing you do know is that you will experience problems that will require repairs. The other unknown is if it will happen when it is convenient with your local repair shop open for business or will it be on a weekend or at night when everybody is closed up tight? It will happen if it already hasn’t, breakdowns are part of the RV Experience. In reality though, don’t cars and boats need repairs? What about ATV’s and personal water crafts? My point is everything fails and for some reason when an RV has a problem it is classified as an absolute inconvenience, when it is just part of the experience. Episode 35 covers this topic and I share with you my thoughts on what tools would be worth carrying and why. I also cover some items that are very

https://radioarizonarv.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/SoleraLogo_2_500.jpg ()Episode 34 is about Solera RV Awnings by Lippert Components and the quality that has made Solera my new favorite RV Awning. In the past I expressed a low opinion of Lippert Components and now I changed my view point as time has passed. Not only have they become a better company, they are providing a great line of RV Awnings. The Solera brand has proven to be a Rock Star for my customers and our new go to awning. I go into the 3 Solera products that we have sold the most of this winter season in Arizona. The 18 Volt Universal Awning Arm Sets and the Universal Fabrics are two awesome products but, I have to say the Sliders or more commonly known as Slide Out Awnings are the best Slide Out Awnings we have ever installed. They are very similar to the Old Style A&E Slide Toppers except, they have been improved upon not only in style and appearance but also the performance is like none other. Listen Now to the Entire Episode! http

https://radioarizonarv.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/V10Logog.jpg ()Ford V10 Engine Rebuild Due to Spark Plugs Blowing Out! In this episode I explain the Spark Plug problem that Ford V10 Engines experience and how a spark plug problem turned into an engine rebuild on a Ford E350 Super Duty Van. I explain the overall process I went through and why I did it. I could have possibly just spent 800 bucks and maybe got by with a Time Sert/Helicloi type of fix but, I chose to go deeper because of the mileage (235,000) and at the bare minimum have the heads rebuilt and all of the spark plug holes repaired. The engine was going to have to come out no matter which way I decided to proceed and it was not nearly as difficult as the internet will make you believe. Some shops automatically remove the entire body to get to the engine. This makes no sense! After removing the engine I decided to scrap getting the heads rebuilt after calling around Yuma and not really getting the answers I wanted to be comfortable with any of

https://radioarizonarv.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/plugable-logo-web.png ()Episode 32 explores the possibilities of using new technology to make computing in an RV easier while expanding potential possibilities. See the simple way to add a second monitor to any PC or Mac. The living space in an RV can become a little tight at times and being able to use a Compact Wireless Keyboard with iPads and Android Devices can be extremely helpful. Many RV’ers find that just recharging all of the devices can be a chore, the Plugable Power Adapter/Charger cleans up the charging cables and simplifies the charging process. Plugable provides computing adapters of all types and styles to make life easier and using technology more enjoyable and absolutely hassle free. In this Episode I review many of the Plugable items I use at work and at home on a regular basis. There many ways to make an RV more PC and Tablet Friendly and with the help of Plugable you can certainly find out how. The entire Plugable Product Line is D

https://radioarizonarv.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/AtwoodWH.jpg ()Epsisode 31 breaks down the basic Annual or as needed maintenance for RV Water Heaters. Atwood and Suburban need to have the Tanks Flushed, Anode Rods replaced and the Pressure Relief Valves replaced as needed. I delve into each area for Atwood and Suburban Water Heaters on what to check, how often and the tools needed along with parts. I also have created 3 Landing Pages on our E Commerce Site http://www.arizonarvpartscenter.com (www.ArizonaRVPartsCenter.com). These pages bring out in detail the needed maintenance for both brands of water heaters. I explain just the simple maintenance side of the water heaters, not in depth repairs for a malfunction. I will get into the deeper repairs in a future episode. Another point about the landing pages on Arizona RV Parts Center is that I will continue to build these for all podcasts where it will bring some DIY value to enable to do repairs. The pages will create a go to website for RV Maintena

https://radioarizonarv.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/online-shopping2.jpg ()You have this Saturday marked on you calendar to do some long needed repairs on your RV. Do you shop at the Local RV Parts Store or go online and try to snag a super deal and have the parts in time for the Saturday set aside to get the RV ready for the next trip? In most cases, you won’t snag a super deal online for RV Parts, at best it will be a good deal. A good deal is alright if you save a buck or two. Or is it? The point of this episode is to bring to the front some easy steps to make sure you have the needed parts by Saturday and making sure there is a Plan B. Lets say your RV Water Heater needs a new circuit board, your almost 100% sure! If you go to the local RV Parts Store they will be able to test your old one and confirm your theory and sell you a new board. The Internet Can’t Do That! You have your new board and you go back to your RV and install it and your water heater still doesn’t work! If you bough

https://radioarizonarv.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/594ceb74d43278241234449e.jpg ()In this Episode I answer the questions Randy submitted via email. My rig is a 50 amp, 2 a/c units and wondering what I would need for a generator to operate 5th wheel safely when we are away from campgrounds and what brand. Ok another question, don’t know if you deal with tires. My new 2017 Forest River Rockwood Signature Ultra Lite 5th wheel has Castle Rock ST225/75R15 tires and I read numerous postings that these are China tires and they call them China bombs and they are rated load range D. I am sure we are will be running heavy with all they new stuff. We should be ok with these tires for a while I hope. I am thinking about maybe American made Goodyear endurance tires load range E. Any thoughts. The 5th wheel came with a grill to hang on the side of the slide out and it has a propane hose to quick connect to the rv, we want to use the road pro grill we have had for several years but I need to adapt from my auxili

https://radioarizonarv.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/STFSTD-2T.png ()In this Episode Eric Stark explains in simple terms the steps you should take to get an accurate price quote and what brand Eric prefers. Eric also explains why there could large gaps in price quotes if you are price shopping. Some points might seem to be elementary but I base my information on and how questions related to Slide Out Awnings are asked. I also find if the question is not asked right or properly understood the results will be less than satisfactory. The post https://radioarizonarv.com/%e2%86%93episode-28-answering-questions-purchasing-slide-awnings/ (↓Episode 28- Answering Questions about Purchasing Slide Out Awnings) appeared first on https://radioarizonarv.com (Radio Arizona RV). Support this podcast

https://radioarizonarv.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Episode.jpg ()Today we see that the automotive industry does everything in it’s power to build a better product and provide a customer service experience that will make you want to be a loyal customer. Where as, the RV Industry is building RV’s with more electronics and taking advantage of new technologies and giving the perception of building a better product. The RV Manufacturer has long been known for cutting corners and doing things to save money that no other reputable industry can get away with. The point of this Podcast is not to discourage someone from buying an RV or giving up on the RV Lifestyle, it is an effort to educate the RV’er to become a better consumer and avoid some the pitfalls of buying a new RV. Listen Now to Learn More About Purchasing a New RV! The post https://radioarizonarv.com/%e2%86%93episode-27-rv-manufacturer-today-disregards-quailty/ (↓Episode 27 – The RV Manufacturer Today Disregards Quailty) appear

https://radioarizonarv.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/LippertLogo.png ()The purchase of Power Gear by Lippert Components took place in June of 2014 and has resulted in a decline in customer service for dealers and RV’ers alike. Power Gear was a good company to work with before being purchased by Lippert Components. Although Power Gear did raise their prices substantially before the purchase. We experienced 20%-40% price increases. For example: A power Gear motor that cost $200 went to $500 my cost. That is a substantial increase and Power Gear could never give a good explanation for the radical increases. After the purchase Lippert Components raised the prices again and also started the unfriendly task of assigning all Power Gear and Kwikee parts with Lippert part numbers. This will create confusion for years to come. Power Gear and Kwikee numbers have been populating the internet for decades and all of the dealers have only used Power Gear and Kwikee numbers. It will take years to get the world transf

https://radioarizonarv.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/aaxa-p5.jpg ()The big deal about the small projector is that you can connect it to just about any Computer, iPad, iPod, iPhone and Android device with simple and inexpensive adapters. You have the technology to connect to an awesome projector. Here is the other plus to using a projector. You can now get out of the RV and move outside to watch movies with as many friends and family members you can pack around your RV or Trailer. With a projector all you need is a flat wall or you can hang a sheet to make a projector screen. http://www.aaxatech.com/store/index.html ( To Learn more about Pico Projectors by AAXA Click Here)! Adapters for Apple Products and Android devices are available in most electronic stores or on the internet. The post https://radioarizonarv.com/%e2%86%93episode-25-entertainment-w-tv-movies-pico-projectors/ (↓Episode 25 – Entertainment w/ TV, Movies & Pico Projectors) appeared first on https://radioarizonarv.com (Radio Arizon