Tag Archives: RV winter maintenance

Tips for Snowbirds Heading Home

03 Wednesday Apr 2019

Posted by in RV Information, The Great Outdoors, Tips & Tricks

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

, , , , , ,

Snowbirds Heading Home

 

Have a detail pre-departure checklist

It’s officially spring and may be time for the “snowbirds” to migrate back North as the snow melts and the temperatures reach back into the tolerable levels! Whether you left your permanent house in the North and headed south in an RV or a full-time RVer that just follows the warm weather, there are a few tips for making the trip more enjoyable and hopefully prevent issues on the road.

Plan Your Route With The Least Amount Of Traffic

Navigate Home

Popular snowbird locations such as Arizona, Texas, and Florida are also popular locations for spring break, bike week, baseball spring training and a whole host of other events that bring thousands of people to the area which means traffic, full campgrounds, and often times higher fuel prices!  It’s a good idea to do some research to see what might be an issue along the way and either go at a different time or even take a different route if possible?  You can easily check with campgrounds along the proposed route to find out what might be better for your situation.

Tie Up Loose Ends Down South

When preparing to take off in the Fall, RVers make sure they have mail forwarded, medical prescriptions transferred, gas/power/water shut off at a home, and all services taken care of.  When heading out in the spring, make sure you have made arrangements for all these services to transfer to your new or next destination.  Make arrangements for any medications you might need to get refilled along the way.  If you are going back to a permanent home, verify everything is good to return and there are no surprises such as new development or a change in ordinance that does not allow RVs in the driveway.  Conduct an “exit interview” with the campground you are leaving to ensure you have no outstanding fees and can get any deposit you might have back.  If you want to return the following year, this is a good time to make a reservation and get the best spot which might cost you a deposit but could be well worth it.   Also, alert family members that you are leaving, the route you are taking, and estimated arrival times in various locations.  Then stay in touch during the journey to keep them informed!

Get a Good Weather Tracker

It’s important to watch pending weather conditions along your route and possibly reroute or wait for a storm to pass.  Conditions may look good, but it’s not uncommon for a storm to suddenly pop up out of nowhere in the mountains or other areas that could be a major issue to traveling.  Some of the most popular weather tracking applications for Rvers are The Weather Channel (www.weather.com) and WeatherBug (www.weatherbug.com)  Both are free for Android and OS applications and are easy to use.  Features include detailed forecasts, severe weather alerts for not only your immediate area but also destinations down the road, Doppler Radar, and even cameras showing live conditions.

Have Your Rig Winterized Ready

Many first-time RVers start their journey North with good weather in moderate temperatures and don’t expect to run into freezing conditions.  However, it’s not uncommon for temperatures to suddenly dip below freezing especially if you travel through the mountains.  If you have water still in the fresh water tank, lines, water pump, and water heater, you will have some expensive repairs coming!  Either blow all the water out of the unit or use RV antifreeze.  You can always carry gallons of drinking water that are protected by the heater in the living area, plus bring some extra gallons and leave them in the shower stall to use for the toilet if you have not used RV antifreeze.

Check Your Tire Pressure –  Often!

Check your tire pressure before you leave and every day you travel on the road.  Make this part of your pre-departure checklist.  Use a certified tire pressure gauge or get a set of tire pressure monitor sensors (TPMS).  Also, you need to weigh your rig and refer to the tire manufacturer’s tire chart for proper pressure.  The PSI stamped on the side of the tire is for maximum pressure at maximum weight.  If your rig is not loaded to the maximum Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) this will not be the proper pressure.  Tire charts can be obtained at the RV Safety & Education Foundation’s website – www.rvsafety.com

Bearings And Brakes

It’s a good idea to carry an infrared temperature gun to occasionally test the hubs and brakes to see what might be happening.  If the ambient temperature is 80 degrees, it’s not uncommon for bearings, hubs, and brake drums to run a higher temperature of 90-100 degrees.  However, if you see the temperature spike to 120-130 degrees, it’s time to have them checked before needing roadside assistance.  A simple test once a day while driving will help verify they are operating properly.

Don’t Forget Spring Maintenance

Most RVers that store their rigs for the winter use the Spring for their annual maintenance.  Items such as cleaning and conditioning the roof, awning material, and checking all the seals.  Cleaning the refrigerator vent, checking and conditioning the slide room seals, and applying UV protection to the sidewall.  Make sure you do your annual maintenance either before you leave, or after you get home. Check your owner’s manual for tips, or visit www.rvrepairclub.com for detailed maintenance videos.

About the author:

Dave Solberg: Managing Editor, RV Repair Club

For the last 25 years, Dave has conducted RV maintenance and safety seminars, developed dealer and owner training programs, written RV safety and handyman articles, authored an RV handbook reference guide and logged over 100,000 miles on the road in an RV.

RV Repair ClubRV Repair Club is your go-to online resource for enthusiasts who want quality RV maintenance, repair and upgrade information – a community where passionate RVers can come together to gather knowledge and share their experiences.

Learn more about RV Repair Club.

RV Protect

Aww Shucks!

Christopher F. ~ “Krystine took care of me very quickly and efficiently. She was very kind and showed me she really cared for my safety.”

Winter RV Use – Preparing the Inside of Your RV

09 Wednesday Jan 2019

Posted by in RV Information, Tips & Tricks

≈ 4 Comments

Tags

, , , , , , , , ,

RV Winter Use

Many RV owners put their RVs in storage for the winter, particularly those who live in colder climates. Others enjoy the beauty of winter camping. While I highly recommend winter camping, it does require extra care on the part of the owner to protect both the RV and the occupants from the ravages of winter. This article suggests some ways to enjoy winter camping while protecting the inside or your RV from cold damage.

  1. Ceiling vents/fans – place insulating pads or pillows in the ceiling vents and fans.
  2. Refrigerator – the refrigerant can gel up at around 20 degrees F. This is a permanent condition. To help prevent this, if you must use the fridge, place duct tape over the top two vents on the outside access panel. Be sure to place the tape on the inside of the panel. A small space heater can help in the compartment, but it MUST be kept away from flammable objects. If your fridge has an ice maker and/or water dispenser, you must insulate the water line.
  3. Heating – if your unit has the furnace ducted into the basement, it is important to run the furnace at all times. However, you can save propane by keeping the thermostat low and wear extra layers of clothing. If you don’t have basement heating, you can save propane by using a space heater inside the RV. In this case be sure to crack a window or vent for ventilation.
  4. Water Heater – Ensure the water heater is turned on and functioning at all times. Consider using both propane and electric energy sources for the heater, in case you have a failure of one system.
  5. Condensation – winter camping will generate significant condensation inside the RV. You could run a dehumidifier to limit this.
  6. Propane – Propane use is fine in cold weather, but note that the vaporization temperature of propane is -40 degrees, so if it’s colder than that, your propane appliances will not work. Propane will be consumed quite rapidly in cold weather, so know where you can fill up.
  7. Slideouts – Slideout topper awnings and roofs accumulate ice and snow, which causes problems when trying to retract the slide, so be sure to keep ice and snow off the slideout as it accumulates. Also, it is a good idea to spray anti-freeze on the exterior slide seals to keep them from freezing, which can prevent the slide-outs from functioning. Consider retracting the slides the night before you are leaving an RV park to prevent overnight freezing of the seals and mechanism.

Since many of these precautions require 110V AC in order to work, extra care must be taken if you are dry camping. In that case, it will be difficult to keep your plumbing safe unless you have an Arctic Package. Remember that plumbing freeze-up can cause significant damage.

Finally, practice due diligence and be sure to check the weather at your destination(s), and make sure the parks and campgrounds you plan to stay at are open. Carry all the recommended cold-weather equipment such as tire chains, sleeping bags, flashlights, spare clothing, water in an insulated container, white gas stove, GPS, weather band radio, etc.

About the author: Steve Froese

Steve Froese, an avid RV owner, traveler, and Coach-Net member since 2013, is the principal of “A Word to the Wise Technical Communications”, a published RV author, certified RV technician, and licensed Professional Engineer. He frequently collaborates with the “RV Doctor”, Gary Bunzer, and has worked with the RVIA/RVDA as a technical and training writer and consultant. Professionally, he works as a quality engineer and musician. Watch for more of Steve’s work in upcoming Coach-Net publications.

Tire DiscountsAww Shucks!

Chad H. ~ “When I called in I got the sweetest lady. Mary took care of me as if I was high priority. I had a simple jump start and was treated with care. Very professional and friendly.”

Tips For Cold Weather Camping

20 Thursday Dec 2018

Posted by in Tips & Tricks

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

, , , , , , ,

Tips for Cold Weather Camping

More and more RVers are using their rigs year around, and not just in warm weather.  Cold weather camping has become popular for many activities such as downhill and cross country skiing, hiking, snowmobiling, and hunting.   There are even more RVers that attend hobby expos such as quilting, woodworking, and others using their RV rather than a hotel room!

No matter how you are planning to use your RV for winter camping, there are some tips and tricks you can use to make it much more enjoyable and WARM!

First, take some time to get your rig prepared for the colder weather. You will need to take measures to insulate the windows, add supplemental heating, and protect water and sewer systems.

Windows

Single pane windows will create a tremendous amount of heat loss and condensation.  Dual pane windows are ideal, however you can use shrink film to add a layer of insulation or even cover the windows with a quilted cover or a material called Reflectix.  Check out last month’s article on window insulation.

Shrink Film

Fresh Water System

Make sure your fresh water tanks are protected by the on board heater or an auxiliary heat system.  Some manufacturers have a 4 seasons package or winter package option that includes a heat blanket.  This also pertains to the water pipes and the water pump.  Even with a heated holding tank area, I typically add an auxiliary heater to this area such as a heat lamp or my preference is a small ceramic heater.  This does require wiring an outlet to that area but provides peace of mind.  Also make sure your water pump is protected as well if it’s not in the same compartment as the tanks.

Don’t forget about your water hose coming into the rig!  You can use heat tape or a heated hose such as the Pirit all-in-one heated hose.  Another option is to just fill the water tank and use the on-board water pump and not worry about the hose outside.  When we camp for a short period of time in cold weather, we winterize the fresh water system and just bring several gallon jugs of water, some for drinking and cooking, others for using the toilet which we just use to manually “flush” through the top.  The only down side of this is we can’t take a shower but it’s usually just an overnight, or we can use the campground facilities.

Holding Tanks

Typically holding tanks do not require heat, however you do not want them to freeze as you will have a rough time getting the valves open and frozen solids to drain.  It’s a good idea to dump a gallon of RV antifreeze in the black and gray water tanks when empty as it will settle to the bottom at the valve and keep it from freezing as well as keeping the sewage from freezing inside the tank.

Anti-Freeze

Most RV sewage hoses are made of soft corrugated material which can be stored at a small length but extended over 5 times in length as well as very flexible to bend around obstacles.  The down side in cold weather is the ridges of the corrugated design trap small amounts of water which can freeze in the winter.  It’s a good idea to dump the tanks when needed, clean the hose completely, and store it in a heated compartment.  Seasoned cold weather RVers use a hard plastic (PVC) hose which has a smooth continual surface, however this is more difficult to store if you are not stationary for a long period of time.

About the author: Dave Solberg: Managing Editor, RV Repair Club

For the last 25 years, Dave has conducted RV maintenance and safety seminars, developed dealer and owner training programs, written RV safety and handyman articles, authored an RV handbook reference guide and logged over 100,000 miles on the road in an RV.

RV Repair ClubRV Repair Club is your go-to online resource for enthusiasts who want quality RV maintenance, repair, and upgrade information – a community where passionate RVers can come together to gather knowledge and share their experiences.

Learn more about RV Repair Club.

Tire Discounts

Aww Shucks!

Raymond K. ~ ” I was very impressed with how she handled the call even though I was stressed out. Every time I call, I continue to receive great service. I give a big thanks to all of you there. Thanks.”

Tips For Winterizing RV Windows

27 Tuesday Nov 2018

Posted by in Tech Tips, Tips & Tricks

≈ 8 Comments

Tags

, , , ,

Tips for Winterizing RV Widows

More and more RVers are using their rigs year around which means taking some extra steps to keep the cold out and the warm in during cold weather.  Many RVs now have dual pane windows available as an option but even these could use a little help in the insulation department.

A single pane window is an enormous source of heat loss.  Insulating the windows not only helps keep it warmer in the rig, but also will help prolong the LP source as the furnace will not need to run as much.

Keep in mind there are many other places that are a source of heat loss such as the entrance door, refrigerator vents, and another huge area is the underside of the rig which should be sealed and skirted if stationary.  However in this article we are going to concentrate on the windows.

Tightened and Sealed

  1. The first step is to ensure your windows are properly tightened and sealed.  Some manufacturers use a putty-like tape called butyl tape between the window frame and the sidewall outside. Others simply use silicone. Whatever sealant is used, make sure it is intact and reseal if needed.
  2. Also check how the window is mounted. Most use a sandwich design with the window and flange on the outside and a fastening ring on the inside connected with screws.
  3. Make sure the screws are tight so the entire window provides a good seal.

Adding Insulation

When adding additional insulation or products to the window, you are trying to increase the R-Factor or Resistance to Heat Flow. Here are some products being used by RVers:

  • Dual Pane Windows

    • Some cold weather RVers will actually replace the original single pane windows with dual pane replacements. This can be very expensive.  Keep in mind, dual pane windows in an RV are simply two panes of glass with air inside, not argon filled like the low-E type you would find in a home. So these typically still need some additional insulation in cold weather. You can get replacement dual pane windows from any RV parts supplier, or Lippert Components Inc (LCI).Double Pane

  • Reflectix

    • The Reflectix double reflective insulation is a great product as it’s easy to work with, cut, and apply. The product features two 96% reflective layers of film bonded to two layers of polyethylene bubbles and can be cut to the exact size of the window. Most RVers cut the finished product slightly larger than the window to cover the frame as well.  They then either tape around the edges, or use a double sided tape to seal it. This provides three times the restriction of heat flow as the single pane window.
    • The downside are that it does block the window so you don’t get any light inside, heat, or cannot see through the window. Also, you cannot open the window if the temperatures do get warm enough to let in some fresh air.

Reflectix Small Project Rolls

Cutting Reflectix Small Project Rolls

  • Plexiglass 

    • Plexiglass comes in a variety of thicknesses and can be cut to the desired size of window and installed over the existing window to provide a type of dual pane. Once again, this is only providing an air space inside, but will provide additional resistance to heat flow. Some RVers use Velcro to attach it, however this does not provide an air tight seal and is not as effective as using two sided tape or double sided foam seal tape which you can find at any home improvement store. Popular brands are Gorilla Double Sided Mounting Tape, Duck Permanent Foam Mounting Tape, or Scotch Double Coated Permanent Mounting Tape.
    • The downside of this type of insulation is the window cannot be opened, and the tape needs to be removed and reapplied each year if the window is to be used for normal operation during good weather. To make it easier to install and remove a Plexiglas cover, you can use single sided mounting foam on the cover and plastic mirror mounting clips.

Screws and Plastic Mirror Mounting Clips.

 

  • Shrink Film Kits

    • One of the most popular window insulation products is the shrink film kits available at any home improvement store. They are easy to install and remove in the spring and inexpensive as well. There are a variety of brands such as Duck, 3M, M-D Building Products, and Ace Hardware. These are easy to install.  Simply, apply the two sided tape around the perimeter of the window, peel off the second side of the tape, and apply the plastic sheet. You can get pre-cut sizes. However, I have found these to be sized for residential windows and not what is in my RV so measure your windows and see what kit works best with the least amount of waste.
    • Apply the film and use a blow dryer to shrink it down to a nice tight, clear cover! You might find it difficult for the tape to stick, especially if you apply it to the metal frame of the window. This could be due to a weak or old tape, cold metal frame, or moisture? You might need to apply it outside the frame to the wallboard. There have been times I needed to purchase a stronger tape that would stick to the surface and stay for the winter! I would also recommend getting the thickest film possible which will be listed as MIL.
    • The only downside of this application is you cannot open the window, plus if you have pets, they can really have a fun time shredding the film! Also it’s an ongoing project each year.

 

Overview

Since the Reflectix provides the best insulation or R Factor, it’s a great product to use in windows that you don’t need to see out or have sun coming in such as a bathroom, bedroom, or hallway. Then you can use either the Plexiglas or shrink option in other windows to customize your rig for cold weather enjoyment!

About the author: Dave Solberg: Managing Editor, RV Repair Club

For the last 25 years, Dave has conducted RV maintenance and safety seminars, developed dealer and owner training programs, written RV safety and handyman articles, authored an RV handbook reference guide and logged over 100,000 miles on the road in an RV.

RV Repair ClubRV Repair Club is your go-to online resource for enthusiasts who want quality RV maintenance, repair, and upgrade information – a community where passionate RVers can come together to gather knowledge and share their experiences.

Learn more about RV Repair Club.

 

Tire Discounts

Aww Shucks!

Alexus M. ~ “I would recommend this company to anybody, they have to be the most professional, courteous, and friendly people I have ever dealt with. They always make sure I am in a safe spot before we continue with towing needs.”

Your Battery Disconnect Switch

19 Monday Nov 2018

Posted by in RV Information

≈ 5 Comments

Tags

, , , , ,

Battery Disconnect Switch

Many RVs have battery disconnect switches installed in them. However, these switches sometimes go unused or unnoticed by owners. Battery disconnect switches are a great way to conserve your batteries while your RV is in storage, even if just for a short time.

When I park my RV at the storage lot, I usually disconnect my batteries at the switch even if I’m going to be back at the RV in a week or so. In addition to preventing parasitic loads from slowly draining your battery, it also prevents battery drain from loads that might inadvertently be left on, such as lights or fans. Even though my RV has solar panels that keep the batteries fresh (as long as there is some solar energy), I regularly make use of my battery disconnect switch, which is conveniently located with my other RV controls.

Battery disconnects come in many different styles, from blade switches located at the battery terminal to relay-controlled remote switches. A very common style for trailers is the marine-style rotary contact switch. Whatever form you have, it is a good idea to make use of the battery disconnect switch whenever you are going to be away from your RV, unless of course your coach is plugged in while it is in storage.

RV Stored Away

If your RV doesn’t have a disconnect switch, you may want to consider having one installed. Simple switches are quite inexpensive and don’t take long to install. It is actually quite a simple DIY project if you are relatively handy and have the tools required. As with any project, be sure to plan it out first. Know where you would like your switch and the tools needed for installation. The basic tools required are:

  • a wire cutter
  • a crimper large enough to handle the gauge wire you are working with
  • an extra battery wire
  • hardware necessary to mount your switch

How to Install:

Simply splice the switch into the positive lead from the battery at a convenient mounting location (as close to the battery as possible is ideal). If you are not handy with basic electrical work, have someone else do the job for you.

If you live in a fairly mild climate where the coldest it gets is around freezing, you can leave your batteries in your RV over the winter (if you are not using your coach) and simply disconnect your batteries at the switch. You don’t have to remove your batteries for winter storage, as long as they remain dry in the RV. Just make sure they are fully charged and topped up with electrolyte (unless they are maintenance-free). With the batteries disconnected, you don’t have to worry about loads draining the battery, and in the spring, you can just flip the switch and you’re ready to go. Note that the battery may self-discharge over the winter to some extent, but if it does so to a large extent, it’s about time to have the batteries tested, as they may be worn out.

RV Stored Away

So, make good use of your battery disconnect switch. It is there for a good reason, and it provides peace of mind while your RV is in short- or long-term storage. If you visit your stored RV frequently, like I do, you can be sure your lights will work when you need to grab that item you left in your RV. Also,no more lying awake at night wondering if you left the fridge on in your RV.

 

About the author: Steve Froese 

Steve Froese, an avid RV owner, traveler, and Coach-Net member since 2013, is the principal of “A Word to the Wise Technical Communications”, a published RV author, certified RV technician, and licensed Professional Engineer. He frequently collaborates with the “RV Doctor”, Gary Bunzer, and has worked with the RVIA/RVDA as a technical and training writer and consultant. Professionally, he works as a quality engineer and musician. Watch for more of Steve’s work in upcoming Coach-Net publications.

Tire Discounts

Aww Shucks!

Wesley L. ~ “The gentleman who came was extremely proficient at a variety of problems and took care of our LED light problem quickly. I am, however, not sure if ALL of the people from this towing service could have handled the problem quite as well.”

RV Appliance Winter Maintenance | Part 2 – Furnace

15 Wednesday Nov 2017

Posted by in RV Information, Tech Tips

≈ 3 Comments

Tags

, , , , , , , , , ,

RV Appliance Winter Maintenance part 2In this second segment of a multi-part series on RV inspection and maintenance, we will discuss the RV furnace. These articles provide tips on performing annual inspection and simple maintenance only. These pro-active steps should help mitigate unexpected component failures.

Furnace

RV forced-air furnaces are available in a range of BTU values and consist primarily of a blower, combustion chamber, control board, and wall thermostat. However, another key component is the time delay relay (TDR). This device delays the furnace flame ignition to allow the blower to purge the combustion chamber of residual gas. Similarly, it forces the blower to continue operating after the flame is extinguished. It is important to remember this when using the furnace. When you turn up your thermostat to demand heat, the blower should come on immediately, while it may take up to two minutes for the burner to ignite. Similarly, when the set temperature is reached or the furnace is turned off, the blower will continue to run for a while even though the burner should turn off immediately.

Make yourself aware of where the furnace fuse is located. In most cases, it is in the 12V fuse block with the other fuses.

RV furnaces are usually located behind a cabinet or under the fridge. They are generally accessible via a removable panel, so it is a good idea to remove this panel and inspect the furnace and surrounding area. Clean any dust and debris from around the furnace housing. Since the furnace gets very hot during operation, it is very important to make sure there are no combustible materials or items located in the furnace area. It is recommended to not store anything around the furnace.RV furnace location

While you are inspecting the furnace, check the ducting for damage, cuts, or tears. If any of the ductwork has collapsed or become kinked, straighten it out. If there are any rips or tears, repair them using duct tape. Any flow restrictions in the ducts will not only limit the heating capacity in your RV but could also cause the furnace to overheat and short-cycle. Similarly, damage to the ducts can cause ancillary areas of the coach to overheat, possibly resulting in a fire hazard.

combustion chamber exhaustLocate the combustion chamber exhaust and intake tubes on the outside of the RV as shown in the photo. These can be identified as the familiar chrome double-tube fixture. On some furnaces, the tubes are integrated into an external furnace access panel and on others, the tube assembly is directly mounted to the RV sidewall. For the former configuration, the furnace components can be easily accessed by removing this exterior panel. For the latter, the components must be accessed from inside the RV by removing a panel from the furnace itself. Fortunately, there is no reason to access the furnace internals unless there is a component failure. If the combustion chamber develops a crack or hole, Carbon Monoxide (CO) can escape into the living areas of the coach instead of being vented to the outside through the exhaust port, which is an extremely dangerous situation. This is why it’s important to have a working CO detector in the coach.

Inspect the intake and exhaust tubes and remove debris, insects, webs, or nests. Insects like to hang out or nest in these tubes. If this is a chronic problem on your coach, you may choose to purchase vent screens, which are available online or at RV supply stores.

About the Author: 

Steve Froese, an avid RV owner, traveler, and Coach-Net member since 2013, is the principal of “A Word to the Wise Technical Communications”, a published RV author, certified RV technician, and licensed Professional Engineer. He frequently collaborates with the “RV Doctor”, Gary Bunzer, and has worked with the RVIA/RVDA as a technical and training writer and consultant. Professionally, he works as a quality engineer and musician. Watch for more of Steve’s work in upcoming Coach-Net publications.

RV Protect

Aww Shucks!

Ray M. ~ “We’ve had a service plan with Coach-Net with 2 different RVs and we’re so glad we do.  Twice in less than a month we’ve called with tire issues.  Both times your representative helped us to get back on the road in a short amount of time.  Thank you from two happy campers.”

RV Appliance Winter Maintenance | Part 1 – Refrigerator

18 Wednesday Oct 2017

Posted by in Tech Tips

≈ 6 Comments

Tags

, , , , ,

RV maintenanceEven if you use your coach through the winter months, or don’t experience the cold or harsh winters that some of us do, it is still important to perform regular maintenance on key components of your RV. This is most conveniently done either before putting your RV into storage or before taking it out. Over the next few articles, we will be discussing some important tips for your RV that may help prolong the life of key components and appliances and prevent unplanned downtime.

The most important thing to remember, and something that I often mention in my articles, is the importance of having your propane (LP) system professionally inspected at least once per year and anytime you suspect a leak or malfunction. An experienced RV technician with LP experience (and often a state or provincial license) will inspect your system, checking all appliances for proper pressure, operation, and leaks. Failure to keep your propane system functioning properly can result in poor or no performance of appliances, or even personal injury or death in the case of a leak!

In addition to the professional servicing, there are certainly some proactive inspection and maintenance tasks you can perform yourself, and we will start by looking at the propane appliances. Note that this article assumes that your appliances are generally functioning properly. As you perform these inspections, make note of any problems so they can be relayed to the service shop during your annual checkup.RV refrigerator

Refrigerator

As with all appliances, start by making sure the equipment and areas around them are clean.

  • In the case of the refrigerator, inspect the roof or top sidewall vent for damage, debris, blockages, and overall cleanliness.
  • Re-caulk any cracked or missing sealant on the covers.
  • Open the bottom access panel and clean out the area around the rear of the refrigerator.
  • Insects love the smell of the ethyl mercaptan used to odorize the LP gas, so often build nests, spin webs, or generally hang-out near the burner area of flame appliances. Use a brush and/or compressed air to clean the rear of the fridge, including the burner.
  • Light the fridge and make sure the flame is blue with slight yellow tipping and that there is no “whistling” or “howling” to the flame.
  • If so, mention this to the RV technician, as it may indicate a required adjustment.
  • Perform a quick visual inspection of other elements, such as wiring, for any other areas of concern.
  • Ensure your refrigerator is functioning and cooling properly in all operation modes.
  • Take note of the location of the fridge fuses, which are located on the control board, which is located on the back of the refrigerator behind a plastic cover. If your fridge stops working for some reason, check these fuses first.
  • Thoroughly clean the inside of the fridge, including the door seals.
  • A good way to check the integrity of the door seals is to place a dollar bill (or any other denomination) between the seal and the door, then close the door (without applying extra pressure) and pull the bill out. If the bill slides out easily, the door seals are too loose. Repeat this procedure at various points on the seal.
  • Verify your fridge and freezer are maintaining the correct temperature. If not, it may just be a matter of adjusting the thermostat setting or thermistor location as indicated in your owner’s manual. You may wish to purchase an inexpensive refrigerator thermometer for this purpose.
  • Check the interior light and defrost the refrigerator if there is excessive ice on the evaporator fins.
  • Make sure the drain hose is not blocked by checking for excessive water in the drip tray under the evaporator.
  • Finally, check for cosmetic damage that may jeopardize the operation or safety of the fridge.

In the next article, we will continue with our tour through RV appliance maintenance.

About the Author: 

Steve Froese, an avid RV owner, traveler, and Coach-Net member since 2013, is the principal of “A Word to the Wise Technical Communications”, a published RV author, certified RV technician, and licensed Professional Engineer. He frequently collaborates with the “RV Doctor”, Gary Bunzer, and has worked with the RVIA/RVDA as a technical and training writer and consultant. Professionally, he works as a quality engineer and musician. Watch for more of Steve’s work in upcoming Coach-Net publications.

RV Protect
Aww Shucks!Melody B. FL~ “I was an emergency service dispatcher for 3 years and I know the importance of getting service to someone in need. Your representative was awesome and quick. Also your service provider did not give up getting our car started. It was early in the morning and cold and he got us going. Thank you very very much.”