7 DIY Maintenance Tips for RV Newbies
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 21 ก.ค. 2024
- Are you a new RV owner? Learning to do these EASY RV preventative maintenance tasks will SAVE YOU MONEY each year while developing your DIY skills. Choose a topic below to get started.
01:20 #1 How to Clean Your RV Hot Water Heater
04:09 #2 How to Check Your RV Tire Pressure
05:00 #3 How to Maintain Your RV Deep Cycle Batteries
06:58 #4 How to Inspect and Seal Your RV Roof
08:24 #5 How to Maintain your RV Slide Out
09:53 #6 How to Check and Clean Your LP Gas Refrigerator Igniter
11:50 #7 How to Maintain Your Onan RV Generator
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RELATED VIDEOS
RV Water Heater Deep Cleaning : RVGeeks ( • Does Your RV Have A Wa... )
RV DIY Maintenance Playlist ( • DIY RV MAINTENANCE & R... )
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#rvwithtito #rvdiy
DISCLAIMER
The opinions expressed in our videos are our own or from a contributor. Before taking on any project or making a large purchase, we recommend you do your own research and consult a professional for advice. We are NOT liable for any damage to your RV or injury incurred as a result of following our tips, advice or instructions. We are not RV professionals or certified technicians. We are simply RV owners who work on our own RVs and have a desire to share what we learn with others. Be responsible and know your limits.
AFFILIATE DISCLAIMER
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This may have been mentioned by others but I wanted to put in an important note; and that is to always check your owner's manual or your manufacturer before choosing a sealant. Although Dicor sealant is very common, some manufacturers recommend another type and some, like Tiffin and Winnebago, use a self-leveling silicone sealant which is NOT compatible with other types of sealants (like Dicor) because they simply will not stick to the existing silicone sealant.
As always Brian, great and informative video!
Very true. Thanks for the reminder/tip. That self leveling silicon is good stuff.
You sir just made me confident on taking care my own motorhome. I am getting a 2014 Winnebago chalet 28 footer and it is our first so we are new to this. I’ll be sure to like and watch more of your videos.
You made my day with that comment. Congratulations on the RV. Cheers!
Awesome video and great information! Just finished renovating our 1977 Airstream, so always good to hear more tips and tricks to take care of our travel trailer!
New RV owner feeling inspired and informed on how to maintain and what to look for in my new RV 😊
Glad to hear that it was helpful 😊
Finally getting my first RV and I can leverage all of the Brian videos I've watched over the years! Thanks for sharing all of your knowledge with the community!
Promoting basic maintenance is always a good. It is easier than most think and you do a good job of showing it.
Something to maybe help motivate others is to start a repair fund with money saved from DYI. As you do maintenance put money into a jar or bank account. For example when I do an oil change I put the difference between what a dealer charges and the oil,filters that I purchased.
Oil changes and the preventative tips in this video, you could easily have a few hundred dollars saved that after time can help pay for a major repair.
Great tip! I know RVers who take a similar approach to RV extended warranties. Set the money aside and you'll probably come out ahead.
Hi
Oh my goodness...great tips. So many don't read Owner's Manuals, do preventative maintenance, and/or do simple safety checks. And, wonder why their stuff is always broke or breaking. Money out the window IMO. Be well guys!
Yes. RTFM. Hehe. There are many though who get a used RV and no manuals. Plus many RV owners manuals cover multiple models and are often wrong. Thanks Chris! Hope that folding renogy kit is working well for you.
Thanks...yep, it is up and running every day. My Uxcell 50w flexible ones died. So, went with the Renogy 100w solar suitcase for the backyard micro-solar generator system.
As always, Brian, good information! Thanks again!
Awesome!! I just got one!! Im so excited!!!
Great Video! Lots of important stuff!
Nice tips as I'm a new RVer, thanks for sharing.
Great info on the h2o heater, its anode and cleaning out furnace.
I’m glad you mentioned the bolts on the slide motors mine came loose went cockeyed and blew in half
Reminds me. I haven't checked them lately :)
You did a great job on this video. Very informative.
So glad I found this channel. I’m an RV newbie and these videos are GOLD! Thanks Brian!
Glad you found us too. Welcome! Hope you find lots of useful stuff. Be sure to visit RVwithTito.com for more general information.
Thank you for the video. We have been living full time for about 3 months. I am enjoying working on the RV and this is helpful.
Awesome! There's always something to do. So it's certainly better (and cheaper) just to do it yourself.
I believe on the water heater tank flush, RVGEEKS showed a video using heated vinegar and a Bore (?) Scope to REALLY get it clean. Just thought it might be worth mentioning. Not adding a plug or taking away from your brilliant videos at all Brian!
love your channel very informative and learned alot from you
Thank you.thank you.thank you.....a million times over
Great video...really helpful
This video was absolutely solid. Great information! Thank you!
You're very welcome!
Thanks for all the advice!
You're welcome!
Thanks a lot for the video - new 5th wheel owner. Living in it! Appreciate the vid
Congratulations on the new 5th wheel! Safe travels!
Terrific video Brian! We are getting ready to take our first trip this summer and I will definitely go through these maintenance tasks before we head out! Thanks for posting this one!
Awesome! Have a great trip. It's been a long time comin.
Great video. Thanks
Thank you Tito. Awesome video and very helpful about the slide.
Glad it was helpful!
A very good starting point for RV systems maintenance. thumbs up.
And a thumbs up to you. Thanks!
You are really good at teaching. Thank you for this excellent video, very inspirational.
Great. Thanks for the feedback.Glad you enjoyed the video.
Thank you so much!
As usual...excellent video! I learn a lot from your comments and suggestions. Very well explained and your voice is easy to hear and follow. Great editing? Nice!
I'm glad you enjoyed the video. Thanks so much for the feedback.
Great! Thanks!
Thank you so much. I really needed to get that information.
You're welcome!
I'm a newbie, and found this video very helpful. I just subscribed. Thank you!
Glad it was helpful!
This is a wonderful video thank you so much!
You're welcome Aaron.
Great video. To the point and helpful. More like this. I do not narrative, I need information. Thanks Tito.
Hey thanks for the feedback. Much appreciated.
Thank you, great video for us new guys...
Glad it's helpful.
Very good videos thank you for sharing !!!
Well done video!
Thanks!
I appreciate your videos. I am a newbie and a had to be newbie, I lost my rental home due to mold. I bought an RV as housing lists were indefinite for me and my 3 remaining cats. I lost one in the mobile home mold issues. I am in my minivan again though as the RV has mold in the cab over, a friagile roof is also an issue. There are crackes and issues from am accident to that area also. I am doing my best tc solve this on almost no money. I am working seasonally to help solve and feel I am not sure I should be as coviodis spreading for the first time here in Maine. It is getting colder and I am possibly in an apartment soon but my heart is to have this RV safe for me to travel in it. I want to make it an art studio on wheels with the over cab as my bed. I am trying to do all I can--non stpop for months on end since the uncovering of what was making me so ill. Any help is greatly appreciated. I should mention I am trying to build a property to help people heal and bring peace as well as the RV trips are for similar reasons. Thank you
Good stuff
You my friend earned another subscriber! Haha thanks for the info and great attitude! Cheers
Glad to have you on board. Cheers!
Thanks Tito for sharing your tips 👍
You're welcome!
newbie here..thanks for video.
You're welcome.
Great video Bryan, your tips are always very helpful. I believe your water heater has an aluminum tank and the ones with the anoid rod are steel tanks. Thank you
Yes. You would be correct. Thanks!
Thanks Dude I Think I Can Do This!
Have fun!
Thank you for info.
You're welcome!
love this channel learned so much
Glad I've been able to help.
Great video, only disagreement is you should never touch the pressure release valve. It may never seal again then need replaced. To relieve pressure you just have to open a hot water faucet
Thanks for the tip.
Many thanks.
Awesome thanks
Good tips thanks. Do more of these
Will to. Thanks for the feedback.
Thank you for your useful video from South Korea
Thanks for watching. You should get this comment tomorrow :) (for us anyway)
I like the idea of silicone on the rubber slide-out seals but not on the metal parts. For that a dry lube is better. It won’t attract and hold dirt.
Good video.
Good info. thanks :)
Thanks, Brian! I would like to add to your tips; (1) Need to properly set the air gap in the water heater, either Atwood or Suburban's (Tank style). when full open the relief valve, shut the water flow off (water pump or city water) and open the nearest faucet, let it drain out of the relief valve until the water flow stops, then snap the valve closed. This will properly set the air gap in the tank. (2) Tire pressure shoud be set by the weight of each axle end, not the cold Max GAWR psi setting. Weigh your rig at a Cat scale or truck fuel center. Weigh it like you would normally travel. Go to the tire manufacturers RV tire website and find the recommended psi setting for your size and model of tire, pre the weight at each axle.
Thanks for the additional tips. I always forget about the air gap. I just figured it worked it self out when you bleed the air from the water faucet. Yeah...tire pressure is a whole separate discussion that I didn't want to get into with lots of variables and preferences. That's why I simply said "determine the best tire pressure for you".
Excellent video.
Brian, have you done a video on cleaning and simple maintenance on the air conditioner. I've been thinking about atempting it but a little show and tell ahead of time would give me more confidence.
Thanks again.
I have not done a video about it. Here's a quick run down. Turn off the AC breaker. Remove the cover. Blow out any debris with an air compressor. Then pick up a can of spray coil cleaner from Home Depot and spray it in the evaporator coils (those thin blade things). It will foam up. Wait 10 minutes for the foam to bring any dust to the surface. Then rinse off the coil blades with water using a spray bottle or weed sprayer (that works best). Put a towel inside to cover the intake in case any water or coil cleaner drips into the RV. I think that's it. Also inspect the coil blades. If there are a lot of bent up ones you can get a comb thing to straighten them back out. Just be gentle around those. They will bend easy. Put the cover back on and fire up the AC.
I prefer Strike Hold Dry Lube. Much better then any others I've used and leaves nothing beyond to attract dirt and/or dust.
Thanks for the tip!
Two thumbs up tito...keep up the good work.
Tito try out a ctek smart battery charger..they are the best..recondition mode works well
Thanks. I have a VMAX 7 stage charger that works pretty well too for reconditioning.
Well done.
Thanks!
I really liked the video I just wished you explained 3 thing in that order as a newbie.
What is it? What’s it for? How do you do it? How often? Just for some background information to be more in depth.
Thank u sir
You are welcome!
this video is wonderful! and you do such a great job explaining. thanks for making this!
Glad you enjoyed it Amanda!
RV with Tito DIY can I make a request? Do you have a video, or can you please make a video, about the Dometic fridge? Someone told me it can run for a long time on propane, but I don’t know how to start it! It runs on power fine. And my gas is on... but when I turn the battery off... it doesn’t switch over. It’s set to “auto”
Anyway, a Dometic video for RV newbies would be great. (And if it’s running on propane, how do I safely operate it if I need to go to a gas station?)
@@amandafekety2297 Hi Amanda. I don't know a bunch about fridges. I recommend you check out this guy's videos th-cam.com/video/2aE_4SuljE4/w-d-xo.html. He's a certified RV tech and I've watched many of his videos. If you reach out to him he may be able to help you. Good luck.
RV with Tito DIY thanks! To circle back, my fridge is working fine! It was just so quiet I didn’t know it was on! Thanks for the reply and I look forward to your future videos
@@amandafekety2297 Glad to hear it's all working fine Amanda.
Hi! It's my 1st time watching your great, fast, and informative videos. I wanted to know if you can do a video on how to run and maintain the showers, toilets, and sink, basically anything that requires water? Thanks!
Thanks for the suggestion. I've just taken drains and p-traps apart and cleaned them.
Great video, thank you! I was wondering if you have a video or know of a video that shows how to retract your slide out if it gets stuck? I have the same setup as yours. Thanks again for your help!
It really depends on the type of slide out you have. Here's a video I did when mine got stuck th-cam.com/video/N-_PDRnbuwg/w-d-xo.html. Good luck.
My water heater has an anode/drain so a huge honking socket helps to prevent scaring on my hands.
For a few dollars more, I went with AGM batteries in my travel trailer and tow vehicle. I'll go to lithium when I win the lottery.
I also have AGMs. Most new RV owners will probably start with flooded batteries though. Lithium is definitely the best way to spend your lottery winnings.
Hi, what's your compressor? You said Viair i think but which one? Need to buy one! Luv all your videos. So helpfull!!
This is the one we have amzn.to/3xlRxfk
I tried to buy some 3in1 slide lubricant yesterday. Unfortunately, they do not ship to UK :(
I got my 22 ft lazy dayz thanks Bryan
Woo hoo! Enjoy.
Hi just found you....thank you so much...
Hi there. Welcome to the channel!
This water heater doesn't require on of the anodes (or whatever they are called)?
Happy to report that I do/have done almost all items. I use AGM batteries to avoid battery acid spills which will erode metal and I haven’t used any slide out lubes on the rubber seals. If you see this Tito, can you affirm that you still use that product? Would you still recommend it? Thanks and keep the great content coming sir!
I regularly use 3-In-One Rubber Seal Conditioner on those slide-out seals and all other rubber stuff. You can find it at Walmart and other retailers.
@@RVwithTito I went by Walmart today, but my local didn’t have it. I’ll have to Amazon it. Replacing incandescent lights with LEDs today. Your video inspired me to get it done. 👍👍
UPDATE: I uses 303 protectant for just about everything now. Rubber, vinyl, plastic, fiberglass. Yes the seals too. amzn.to/4b78NYS
@@RVwithTito If I could include a pic, I'd show you my can of 303! 😉👍👍. Just got back from a trip and will lube up the slides. Thx!
Boeshield T-9 is my spray lube of choice. It's also a good corrosion inhibitor for electrical connections like battery terminals. amzn.to/4dgiJRS
Just checked my air pressure and part of checking it it also to move the valve stem around looking for cracks and 1 out of 4 was cracked a flat waiting to happen, check yours.
Thanks. Good tip. My valve stems are metal so non-issue for my RV.
RV with Tito DIY someone told me in the summer to keep the tires 10lb lower than the recommendation due to the heat. Does that sound right? I’m in CA so it does get very hot here
Do these tips apply to old campers
Great vid Tito. :) I have some Mini Lite owners that follow my videos. I have to do this kinda vid too and also refer them to your channel. Michael
Thanks! I had to look up what a Mini Lite is. Now I know :)
You put out great content. Forest River Rockwood Mini Lites. I enjoy it and learn from you. Thanks for inspiration. Michael
Really helpful! Thanks. I've decided to buy an air compressor. Yours looks "real." What is it? I've seen small ones that seem insufficient and much bigger ones that I dont' want to carry. Also, I weight 110 lbs and don't want to struggle with a heavy unit. What do you suggest? Thanks, again.
Glad it was helpful. The compressor is a Viair. You'll find a link in the video description for Amazon. It's powerful and compact.
Very informative vid, TY. But I hope yo're not putting 80psi in the front tires. That would make a really rough ride and cause over steer. E450: 80psi in rear tires , 65psi in the front but you can go up to 70 max for dry surface.
I've always put 80 psi in all 6 tires without issue. I know its personal choice. The RV drives very smooth. Plus I have upgraded anti sway bars and shocks. So it's very steady and drives like an SUV. Pretty good for a 32 ft class c.
Hi Brian and Melissa, this is the Kings from over on the Olympic Peninsula. I know you do most (all) mods yourself, but for those of us who aren't brave enough yet, are there any shops on the OP or Kitsap Peninsula that you would feel good about for jobs like installing a composting toilet, antennas/boosters, new anti-sway bars, and lithium batteries? We only know about Eric's in Sequim and we don't yet know what they will and won't do - we're going to stop in this weekend to find out. We have a similar Class C to yours, 32 feet on a Ford E450 chassis. Thanks for all your great info!
Boy I wish I had some referrals for you but I've never taken my RV into an RV service center. Any truck/suspension shop that works on Fords should be able to do the sway bar and shocks though.
Can Eternabond tape be installed over Dicore sealant or must it be removed first?
I install it over the top. Just give the Dicor a good cleaning first.
I was going to buy some slide out silicone spray. The man at the RV store asked me if my slide out was hydraulic or electrical. He told me not to use silicone if the slide out mechanism was hydraulic. Is that your understanding? Thanks!
That is not my understanding, but I have an electric motor. I know lots of folks who use silicon lube on the exposed areas of the hydraulic mechanism. It dries to the touch and won't pull dirt and debris into the shaft when retracted. Did he say why?
Thank you Tito... Do you use the 3 in one for you slide-out rubber seals too?
E
Yes.
I've always used silicon grease for rubber seals on all my vehicles. It doesn't deteriorate rubber and prevents doors from freezing in the winter.
Sociopath Mercenary thanks for the tip!
Have you been doing that for a long time?
Eliu Cornielle For about 20 years now. I used to use petroleum jelly but that can make some seals swell or deteriorate.
I use it on slide, door, or window seals. Just put on some nitrile gloves and scoop a decent sized blob onto your hand, then kinda massage it into all the seals. On door seals, use in sparingly. Like all grease, it picks up dust and dirt over time and you'll inevitably brush up against it and smudge your clothes.
I'm fairly particular so I wash all my seals with dishwashing liquid to help remove most of the old grease before putting a new coat on every year or so.
One of the main uses for silicon grease is for putting on light bulb threads, flashlight battery compartment threads, and such as it isn't electrically conductive and helps waterproof the connection. I try to keep it away from switch contacts as it can interfere with making good contact but you shouldn't run into that with your seals.
The spray stuff that Brian uses is probably great too... But I can pick up a 14oz tube of silicone grease for $10 and it lasts forever. Good luck!
Thanks for the detalied explanation!
Hey Brian, which product do you use to clean the black streaks off your rv? Thanks!
These days I just use WD-40. I used to use the black streak removers. No more. Regular ol WD-40 works for so many things like removing sticky stuff and black streaks too. I'm not just saying that since they sponsored this video either. No really...it's true.
RVwithTito thanks!
How do yo keep your roof so clean, especially the Dicor?
It was just really clean that day. That's not always the case.
👍👍👍
How about oil changes?
Yes. I do those each year as well. I left oil changes out of the list since it doesn't apply to trailers or fifth-wheels.
How often should you do each of these tasks?
Once a year at a minimum. Or as often as needed.
Wheel bearings??
Not something I regularly check. I have heard mixed opinions about the need to regularly grease on my Ford chassis (some say every 3K, some say every 12K, some say never). It's probably more of an issue for a travel trailer. Honestly, it's not my area of expertise. What do you think?
RVwithTito Oh yeah, you don't have a TT.... :) I grease the trailer twice year since I drive a lot, and, it's important to use the correct grease (as identified in the owners manual, you won't find it at Walmart or NAPA most likely - Amazon or Ebay should have it).
Why does everyone call you "Tito" Brian? :))
I did it again...geez. You mentioned it. Sorry Brian!
Yup. There you go again...geez 😁
Nylon plug...
Oops...that's what I was thinking but Vinyl came out :) Thanks!
Tito! about that air compressor - I found an amazing air compressor that I keep in my car, it's small and portable but will automatically fill to a given PSI, has a lithium battery, it's handheld, and works surprisingly well! (Compared to some of those crappy cig plug compressors); It's a cylinder about the size of a monster energy can, and it's AMAZINGLY quiet, but actually fills up my tires. Small enough to fit in the glove compartment, and is digital / will actually allow you to set a PSI and it automatically fills to that PSI for you. a.co/d/63toVTQ
Pretty cool and up to 150PSI it says. I'll check it out when it becomes available.
@@RVwithTito Oh, didn't realize it wasn't available anymore, check the related items on that page, there are a few clones of it from other companies that I can see (for example a.co/d/ir5Qnpj ). There are a lot of other companies selling this under different brand names, I think they're all alike; the link I posted was the one I bought from a couple of years ago :)
Do not keep your tire pressure at the max. They need room to expand.
They are rated at 80PSI cold.
I didn't hear anything that wasn't good advice about taking care of your RV. Thanks.
You're welcome!
oops. disregard
Dicor is a horrible product. It does not hold up. Their solution is to add more on there. I recommend sikaflex 1A construction adhesive. They also make sikaflex RV semi self-leveling sealant that is UV resistant and is sold at Camping World even
Another excellent video, thank you Brian.
You're welcome.