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Welcome to the full blog article index at Ask The RV Engineer!

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I recommend checking out at least one Original Content piece.

Original Content

Yup, we’re pretty proud of our cornerstone content, insider info, and original research pieces. You just can’t get it anywhere else!

“Isn’t Marine-Grade OSB an Oxymoron?” – Letter from a Reader

Engineers don’t have a Hippocratic Oath, per say, but the National Society of Professional Engineers does publish a Code of Ethics for Engineers. Among other mandates, it states: I may not have raised my right hand and sworn on the Bible to accept these oaths, but I do abide by

“Is RV Payload Based on Stationary Use with the Occupants Inside?” – Letter from Educated RV Owner!

Towing is complicated, isn’t it? Every time I think I know everything, I go back to SAE J2807 or the FMVSS, and I learn something new! One of my Readers, “Charlie,” recently poked and prodded me with a series of insightful questions. I’ve edited our conversation and posted it here.

“4-Season Ready RVs? Forget It!” – Letter from a Building Science Guru

I love receiving letters from my Readers! Recently, I received an email from a gentleman named “Martin,” and I thought it was so insightful and articulate that I just had to share it. I’ve copy-and-pasted our conversation below with light editing for brevity and clarity. Martin read my article about

A Day In the Life of an RV Design Engineer

This is a blog about how RVs work (and sometimes why they don’t). I don’t get into company insider stuff, industry politics, etc. I keep my day job separate. The closest I’ll get is a guide like What’s Up With That RVIA Sticker and Should You Care? Because I love

Wood Vs Aluminum Framing in an RV – Which Is Best?

The gloves are coming off. I will answer one of the most commonly asked RV construction questions on the web: Is wood or aluminum framing better for an RV? And the definitive answer is … !!!! It depends. Now, wasn’t that anticlimactic? Sorry, I’m an engineer. It’s in my makeup.

What Is an RV PDI Quality Inspection?

If you’ve attended an RV factory tour or purchased an RV from a dealership, you’ve likely heard about a “PDI” inspection. Everyone makes a big deal out of their PDI. “We go through over 300 points of inspection,” they’ll boast. … but what exactly is a PDI inspection? Who’s in

What’s Up With That RVIA Sticker and Should You Care?

Let’s talk about that shiny black-and-gold sticker on the side of your RV. Where did it come from? What happens if you peel it off? And why is your dealer trying to charge you $135 for it? Can you tell him where exactly he can put that sticker, or would

Why Does My RV Battery Keep Dying? (Every Reason I Can Think Of!)

“Stop! Don’t go into the light!” If you’re constantly begging your RV not to give up the ghost, then read onward. I have some ideas why your RV house batteries might be dying so quickly. … But before I begin, can I dispel a common myth? You’ve often been told

Insider’s Guide to Azdel, the Magic of Modern RVs

A long time ago (40 years or so), in a place far, far away (Elkhart, Indiana), there lived a bunch of businesses who relied on a simple product: lauan plywood. That’s where our story begins. The hero of our tale, Azdel the Great, doesn’t arrive until later: 2006, to be

Open Letter: An Apology for that Awful, Disgusting Sewer Hose

Dear RV Owner, I’m … I’m sorry. On behalf of the RV industry in which I work, I sincerely apologize for that pitiful, unsanitary, awkward, awful excuse for a wastewater disposal system we installed under your RV. I’m sorry that the black tank stinks to high heaven unless you pour

The Hidden Danger of a Weight Distribution Hitch

I have some bad news for you. I know that’s a rotten way to begin an article, but honesty before civility. Almost all RVs should use a weight-distribution hitch. (That’s not the bad news). But … using a weight-distribution hitch may overload your trailer axles (yikes!) That’s what I’d call

Hey, Your RV Is (Likely) Overweight and Overloaded!

Want to hear a dirty secret? RVs are often built with insufficient payload capacity. If I had to bet money, I’d wager most RVs traveling down the road would tip the scales in excess of their GVWR. In fact, I’ve heard it estimated that more than 50% of the RV-tow

RV Battery State of Charge – A Geek’s Guide How to Murder Your Battery

So you’re curious about your RV house batteries’ state of charge? Prepare to feast from the Tree of Knowledge… If you’re not thirsty for knowledge, here’s the grab-and-go answer: A deep-cycle RV lead-acid battery should only be discharged to 40-50% of capacity. This is true whether it’s an AGM or

The Ultimate Techie Guide to RV Sidewall Construction Types

Wall construction quality is a litmus test for the rest of the RV. It’s rare to find an RV with a “better-built box” and shoddy workmanship elsewhere – but the opposite is also true. If you’re about to purchase an RV, this article is so. incredibly. important. There are many

The Textbook Treatment – RV Subfloors and Leaks

This article is not an instructable on how to replace your RV floor. That’s because there are a hundred of those instructables online and in popular forums like FiberglassRV.com and iRV2.com. Also on YouTube. May I recommend this one from Brian at RVwithTito.com? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o0F-GQaBcVU But if you’re struggling with a

A Deep Dive into RV Inverters (and Sorcery)

Let’s talk sorcery. Mickey Mouse Apprentice GIFfrom Mickey Mouse GIFs Er, electricity. (Sorry, lots of people get the two mixed up). Actually, let’s talk about one specific electrical component: the inverter. You may or may not have one in your RV. By the end of this article, you’ll wish you

Geek’s Guide to RV Surge Protectors – And Why It’s Better than Insurance!

A surge protector is like your own private Secret Service detail. It stands guard, silent, sleepless, ready to lay down its life for the good of many. It’s the hallowed gatekeeper for your RV electrical system. Most RVers own a surge protector. Everyone should. Yes, I literally mean everyone. If

What’s My RV Appliance Amp Draw? (with Charts for 12V and 120V Loads!)

So you want to know how many apps your RV or camper appliances draw? Scroll down for a short n’ sweet guide to the inner workings of an RV electrical system. And how to calculate how many amps your RV uses yourself. (Hint: You’ll need a watt-meter!) And a little

Ultimate FAQ Guide to the RV Converter, the Heart of Your Electrical System

Your converter is the humming heart of your RV electrical system. Without a converter, you’re dead in the water. Unfortunately, most people don’t take time to ask questions about their RV converter until it ain’t working (or so they think). If that’s you, sorry about your situation! At least you

Judging Construction Quality at an RV Show (Secrets by an RV Engineer!)

“How do you figure out construction quality when walking through an RV?” And I’m not talking about a 4-hour, in-depth, pen-and-pencil, flashlight and screwdriver, 72-point inspection at the local dealership before final purchase. If you only have five minutes to explore an RV camper at an RV show, how do

The Ultimate Techie FAQ Guide to RV Lead-Acid Batteries

Welcome to your complete FAQ guide to RV and camper lead-acid batteries. Not to brag, but this is the BEST online resource yer gonna find about RV lead-acid batteries. This free Ebook contains the answers to many (hopefully all!) common RV owner questions about camper batteries: how they work, how

How Much Do Campers (Actually) Weigh? (2021 With Examples)

The average camper trailer weighs around 5,900 pounds and is about 26 feet long. This includes the weight of the travel trailer without any gear or filled tanks. Expect to add about 200 pounds of cargo per person and 300 pounds of fresh water.

What’s the Indoor Air Quality of an RV? (Hint: You’re Not Enjoying “Fresh Air Outdoors”!)

Do you have lungs? Would you like to keep them? Good. (You and me both!) Air is the one thing you can’t live without, and airborne pollutants are the ones you usually can’t see. So let’s chat about the indoor air quality of your camper. I have good news and

Why I Hate Portable Air Conditioners for RVs (and It’s Your Fault)

I hate portable air conditioners. Hate is a strong word, but since this blog is G-rated, it’s all I can use. We’ve waged war against each other for over a decade. (I may have almost gotten into a fist-fight over a portable A/C, once.) And now, I’m recruiting you to

RV Tech Guides

Sure, You Can Run Your RV Air Conditioner on Batteries … If You’re Rich!

“Hey, Ross, can I run my RV air conditioner on batteries alone? I want to go boondocking for the weekend, and I don’t have a

RV Furnace Not Turning On? RV Tech Says “Don’t Make This Mistake!”

A veritable encyclopedia of bad information has been published online about the humble RV furnace. If your RV furnace is not turning on, I highly

An RV Technician’s Guide to Replacing Your RV Skylight

Last week, I replaced an RV skylight – and I’ll show you how to do it, too. Like many DIY jobs, 90% of the work

Why Does Everyone Love to Hate on the Schwintek Slide-Out System? +5 Maintenance Tips

Every RVer loves to hate the Lippert In-Wall (formerly known as Schwintek) slide-out system. It’s a simple motorized rack-and-pinion drive system that pulls your slide

Does More Weight Really Reduce RV Fuel Efficiency?

In a previous article about why motorhomes don’t have MPG ratings, I gave you a few tips how to calculate your own fuel efficiency and

Here’s the Wrong Way to Reseal Your RV Roof

Everything on your roof – except for your air conditioner, which uses a thick foam gasket – is waterproofed with a butyl tape gasket underneath

Did Your Water Tank Fall Off? Not My Problem …

In the same way that a jack-o-lantern represents Halloween or a bald eagle symbolizes ‘Murica, an RV is supposed to embody freedom: the open road,

Is Your Propane Tank Empty – Or Is It Just Too Darn Cold Outside?

It’s November 14th. You’re using the RV as a base camp during hunting season. After a long, icy day in the blind, you’ve returned to

RV Furnace Not Working – Is It Always the Sail Switch?

“My RV furnace isn’t working!” is a common distress signal across many RV forums and Facebook groups. I’ll bet $100 that the first (and second)

A Water Pressure Regulator Is a Top 3 Item that I Recommend to All RVers

A water pressure regulator is one of the top three items I command recommend to all RV owners (the other two are a surge protector

Old, Decrepit RV Roof? 5 Options for Repair!

Unfortunately, RV roofs age less like fine wine, more like milk. Within 10-25 years, most RV roofs look like an abandoned petri dish experiment. But

Troubleshooting: How to Fix a Leaking RV Baggage Door?

RV baggage doors – also known as storage doors or cargo doors – are a common point of water leaks. Typical signs are dark water

“Isn’t Marine-Grade OSB an Oxymoron?” – Letter from a Reader

Engineers don’t have a Hippocratic Oath, per say, but the National Society of Professional Engineers does publish a Code of Ethics for Engineers. Among other

“Is RV Payload Based on Stationary Use with the Occupants Inside?” – Letter from Educated RV Owner!

Towing is complicated, isn’t it? Every time I think I know everything, I go back to SAE J2807 or the FMVSS, and I learn something

6 Insider Hints for PERMANENTLY Cleaning Your Waste Tanks

I recently had the privilege of attending a free seminar by Sue “the Queen of Poo,” RV Tech and founder of Royal Flush RV. Sue

Quick Tip: Can (or Should) I Recharge My RV Air Conditioner Refrigerant?

There is a LOT of false advice going around about recharging your RV air conditioner. When I typed the search phrase “Can I recharge my

“4-Season Ready RVs? Forget It!” – Letter from a Building Science Guru

I love receiving letters from my Readers! Recently, I received an email from a gentleman named “Martin,” and I thought it was so insightful and

What Good Is an Accumulator Tank? Can It Fix Pump “Short Cycling”?

Most RV water supply systems rely on an on-demand water pump. These pumps have a built-in pressure switch that triggers on/off operation. When the pressure

Quick Tip: Double-Check Your Furnace Flexible Ductwork!

Any HVAC engineer will tell you that flex duct is a necessary evil. It’s quick to install but retards airflow. Your RV may have quite

Quick Tip: How Many Solar Panels Do I Need to Recharge My Batteries?

Last week, “Sean” wrote me an email asking how many solar panels he needed to recharge his RV house battery. “So I apparently have the

The Engineer Answers: 6V Vs. 12V Batteries for an RV (Don’t Believe the Hype)

Wondering whether 6V or 12V batteries are better for your RV? I don’t blame you for asking – and I don’t blame you for being

Why Does My RV Sink Stink? (And What’s an Anti-Siphon Vent/Air Admittance Valve?)

You might not have heard of an Anti-Siphon Trap Vent Device (ASTVD). It’s not the sort of feature that gets published on a sales brochure.

Are RV Manufacturers Too Cheap to Install this $10 Odor-Killing Upgrade?

Your tanks stink to high heaven. Gray or black, doesn’t matter. All wastewater RV tanks smell like an overflowing public latrine at a county fair

4 Step Guide to Choosing a Trailer Hitch Coupler

A coupler is welded or bolted to the front of your trailer frame. It mates with the trailer ball for a secure swiveling connection. How

Quick Tip: Why Is GVWR Higher or Lower than GAWR? ANSWERED!

Curious why the GVWR of your RV is greater than the GAWR? Concerned that the math seems shadowy? Fear not, because there’s a perfectly reasonable

The Engineer Answers: Should I Flip My Trailer Axles?

“Flipping the axle” is a colloquial way of saying “lifting my RV.” It’s an aftermarket procedure used to gain ground clearance. There are a lot

Quick Tip: Should I Disconnect My RV Battery When Plugged Into Shore Power?

There is a common misconception among new RV owners that you should disconnect your house batteries when plugged into shore power (something about issues arising

Quick Tip: What Causes RV Trailer Tires to Wear on the Inside Only?

If you’re like me, uneven trailer tire wear feels like theft. It’s not fair. One side of the tire is in the prime of its

RV Surge Protectors: Hardwired Vs Portable?

If you’ve read my magnum opus about why you need an RV surge protector, you might be wondering whether a hardwired or portable surge protector

6 Myths and Misconceptions About Lithium Batteries for RVs

Let’s talk about lithium batteries, the new media darling in the RV industry. With their growing popularity have sprouted the weeds of myths and misconceptions.

Quick Tip: 3 Secrets to Protecting Your RV Tires from Dry Rot

Tire dry rot is usually spotted in the spring and summer, but the problem begins in the fall and winter. Take care of your RV

Quick Tip: What Causes Mold in an RV – and How to Get Rid of It?

Are you having nightmares of mold and mildew getting in your RV? Mold and mildew aren’t the same things! Both are fungi. Mold tends to

Quick Tip: Heat Pump Vs Heat Strip – Which Is Better for Winter RV Camping?

Curious about the difference between a heat strip and a heat pump? Or which one costs more to heat your RV in the winter? What’s

Quick Tip: How Often Should You Reseal Your Camper?

How often should you recaulk your RV? There are two answers to this question: the by-the-book answer, and the quick-and-dirty answer. Both answers require you

Yup, 12V RV Air Conditioners Are a Thing

Almost all RV air conditioners run off 120-volt AC electricity, which is what most campers call “shore power” or “grid power.” And as many RV

Quick Tip: How Much Does an RV Solar System Cost?

The cost of an RV solar power system ranges from $200 from a barebones 100W solar suitcase to $10,000+ for a custom off-grid motorhome. On

Can Batteries Be Safely Installed Inside an RV?

Can batteries be installed inside an RV? No, lead-acid batteries cannot be installed inside an RV without being inside an approved battery box vented to

Why Is My RV Converter Not Charging the Battery?

I am going to assume that you are a normal person and that the phrase “failure of a diode” makes as much sense as the

Winterizing Your RV: Is Antifreeze or Compressed Air Better?

Dear God … not another article on winterizing! I swore to myself when I launched this blog that I would never stoop so low as

“Is There Such a Thing as Too Much Tongue Weight?” – Letter from a Concerned RV Owner!

I recently received a question from a lady named “Cassandra” about the tongue weight on her travel trailer. Here’s what she wrote: “I have a

Which Is Better – A Single or Double Axle Travel Trailer? (An Engineer’s Perspective)

If you’re the sort of person who enjoys dog fighting, political debates, and Brazillian soccer matches (football, my apologies), then just ask a group of

How to Install Screws for Trailer Decking

Let’s take a break from our regularly scheduled programming about RVs and look at their close cousins, the utility trailer! Are you about to replace

A Day In the Life of an RV Design Engineer

This is a blog about how RVs work (and sometimes why they don’t). I don’t get into company insider stuff, industry politics, etc. I keep

Pros and Cons of 3-Way Absorption vs 12V Compressor RV Refrigerators

There isn’t a one-size-fits-all RV refrigerator. And it makes me so mad. You have five options for RV refrigerators: 3-way absorption refrigerator 2-way absorption refrigerator

Guide to Articulating Couplers for Trailers

What Is An Articulating Trailer Coupler? An articulating trailer coupler is a hitch mechanism that allows 360-degree rotation of a trailer-to-tow vehicle connection. It prevents

Can I Upgrade My Axles to Increase My RV Weight Carrying Capacity?

If you think you can upgrade your axles to increase your RV’s maximum weight capacity, think again. Many RV owners have purchased a Brobdingnagian house-on-wheels

Wood Vs Aluminum Framing in an RV – Which Is Best?

The gloves are coming off. I will answer one of the most commonly asked RV construction questions on the web: Is wood or aluminum framing

What Is the GVWR of Your RV? (And How Is It Calculated?)

This article doesn’t require any fancy introduction. This is a nuts-and-bolts kind of post. You want to know what the GVWR means for an RV,

What Is an RV PDI Quality Inspection?

If you’ve attended an RV factory tour or purchased an RV from a dealership, you’ve likely heard about a “PDI” inspection. Everyone makes a big

Here’s Why a Ducted RV Air Conditioner Is a “Top 10 Most Wanted” RV Feature!

Recently, I saw the results of a poll by RVLifestyle.com asking RV owners, “What features do you want in your next RV?” Number five by

What Is a Walkable RV Roof?

If you’ve spent any time in the sights of an RV salesperson, you’ve heard the claim, “And this here RV has a walkable roof!” Which

What Are RV Cabinets Made From? (And Why You Should Care)

What are RV cabinets made from? Does this question keep you up at night, like me? Most RV cabinets look the same. They look something

Should I Use Silicone On My RV?

Silicone is the caulk everyone loves to hate. Visit any RV forum, and you’ll see silicone lynched and hung in effigy. Is silicone really so

6 Types of RV Roof Materials – Advantages and Disadvantages

When it comes to an RV roof, “No news is good news.” So if you’re reading this guide, it’s probably because there’s something wrong with

11 Causes of Trailer Sway and How to Stop It – Myths and Facts

Trailer sway is the stuff of nightmares. It’s a classic case of the tail wagging the dog. It’s the number one cause of RV accidents

The Big Window Round Up – All Your RV Window FAQs!

I’m answering all the odds-and-ends questions I’ve heard about RV windows! If you’ve ever wondered whether frameless RV windows are worth the price or what’s

Are Double Pane RV Windows Worth It? – A Designer’s Take

You are likely reading this post for one of two reasons: You are about to order a brand-new RV, and you’re curious whether it’s worth

Can You Fix Low Voltage at an RV Campground? (And Will Your Neighbors Hate You?)

If you are an intelligent person – and as a Reader of this blog, you most unquestionably are – then you use an advanced surge

What’s Up With That RVIA Sticker and Should You Care?

Let’s talk about that shiny black-and-gold sticker on the side of your RV. Where did it come from? What happens if you peel it off?

My Guide to Troubleshooting Your RV Air Conditioner (Common Problems SOLVED)

If you’re reading this guide to troubleshooting your RV air conditioner, I’m guessing something is wrong. So I’ll dispense with my usual hilariously clever introduction.

Quick Tip – How to Read a Tire Sidewall Label

Your Burning FAQs About the RV Air Conditioner

Welcome to my conspectus on the ubiquitous RV air conditioner. This post is for any and all RV owners! I’m going to serve up some

What Size Generator Do I Need for My RV? (A Math-Free Solution)

Good news, Reader. I’m not going to ask you to count your watts, create a spreadsheet, or whip out your pocket calculator. Choosing the right

Why Does My RV Battery Keep Dying? (Every Reason I Can Think Of!)

“Stop! Don’t go into the light!” If you’re constantly begging your RV not to give up the ghost, then read onward. I have some ideas

How to Install a 30A RV Electrical Outlet Hookup at Home

Let’s learn how to install a 30A outlet for an RV at your house. I should begin this guide with a few words of caution,

17 Design Differences Between European and North American RVs

RVs may be as American as apple pie, but other countries love recreational vehicles, too. You can find caravans in Australia and New Zealand, camper

Yes, RV Lithium Batteries Are (Probably) Worth the Cost!

If you thought regular RV batteries were expensive, you’re about to throw up a little. Lithium batteries cost the proverbial arm and a leg. Even

Dangers of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Inside an RV

It’s invisible. It’s odorless. It’s tasteless. And it can kill you: the “quiet killer.” Sounds like a teaser trailer to a B-grade horror film, but

Does Your RV Propane/CO Detector Keep Beeping?

I hope you’re reading this post from the comfort of your couch, not skim-reading this sentence as a high-pitched alarm rattles inside your cranium. If

FAQs About RV Cassette Toilets (vs Conventional Commodes)

Like most things in America, they were popular in Europe first. Cassette toilets have recently made inroads in the United States RV market, and they’ve

What Is An RV Hot Skin? (And Can It Kill You?)

If you touch a metal part on the outside of your RV and get shocked, is that a problem? What if it’s only a tingle?

Can You Use AGM Batteries in an RV?

Can I Use an AGM Battery in My RV? Yes, you absolutely can use an AGM battery in your RV or camper! While you can

Don’t Flush Your Money Away on RV Toilet Paper!

Do you really need to take out a second mortgage to afford RV toilet paper? Is the specialty toilet paper all it’s cracked up to

Smackdown: RV Versus Tiny House On Wheels!

I won’t bury the lede. If you’re debating whether you should buy an RV or a Tiny House … you should probably get the RV.

Should I Cover My RV With a Tarp?

We’ve all been tempted. Why shell out the $1,000 for a pre-fitted cover? Or the $3,500 for an RV carport and parking pad? What’s wrong

Can I Plug My RV Into My Dryer Outlet? (The Answer Isn’t Always No!)

Can you plug your RV into your dryer outlet? Good question. I commend you for reading this post. You think ahead. That’s good! This isn’t

The 411 On Flat Towing a Dinghy Behind Your RV

No lie: Driving a motorhome can be exhausting. You plant your hands at 10 and 2. You keep your eyes on the road, ears twitching

Can I Leave Water Sitting In My RV Freshwater Tank?

Hopefully, you’re reading this post before embarking on your epic 2-week RVing adventure – not because your wife is throwing up in the RV bathroom

8 Methods How to Measure Your RV Propane Tank Levels

If you’ve read my guide to calculating how long your propane tanks will last, then you know estimating the answer involves math (yuck). And your

What’s the Big Deal About Torsion Axles On an RV?

Hmmm … a torsion axle? If you’re shopping for a small- to medium-weight trailer, you might have come across a torsion axle as mentioned in

6 DIY Methods for Repairing PEX Tubing in an RV

Today’s topic is about as sexy as a computer IT technician explaining how a web server works. But I’m not sorry for bringing it up.

All Your RV PEX FAQs Answered! (By an Engineer)

Let’s talk about PEX, baby! While it will help if you’re mechanically-inclined, you don’t need to be a journeyman plumber to read this guide. I

Your Know-It-All Guide to RV Width (And Why It Matters!)

Let’s talk about America’s most popular subject: width. Vertically-challenged pop-ups, scrawny teardrops, fluffy Class C’s, willowy Class B’s, behemoth Class A’s, big-boned 5th wheels and

Insider’s Guide to Azdel, the Magic of Modern RVs

A long time ago (40 years or so), in a place far, far away (Elkhart, Indiana), there lived a bunch of businesses who relied on

The Silent Killer: 18 Tips to Control Condensation in Your RV!

Every RV owner knows a water leak sounds the death knell. But did you know water can ruin your camper without ever leaking inside?? Meet

Why Your 4-Season RV Ain’t! (The REAL Truth Behind RV “Arctic” Packages)

Many RVs are opportunistically, euphemistically, or optimistically marketed as 4-season rigs. (Which is a claim somewhere between wishful thinking and outright balderdash.) If I go

Can I Improve My RV Aerodynamics for Better Fuel Efficiency?

Gas mileage is a source of shame for most RV owners. In a day of stainless steel straws and rice utensils and urban green roofs,

RV Fiberglass Delamination: When the Worst Happens to You!

Nothing strikes more fear into the heart of an RVer than the sentence, “RV fiberglass wall delamination.” You’re probably reading this article because someone glanced

Is Diesel Actually Better than Gas for an RV Motorhome?

Which is better: A diesel or gasoline RV motorhome? (What came first: The chicken or the egg?) The question itself is deceptive. What’s the measuring

Troubleshooting 11+ RV Smells (and How to Fix Them!)

I am blessed/cursed with an awful sense of smell. Cleaning up cat vomit? It’s a blessing. Grandma brings the pumpkin pie out of the oven?

How to Fix a Rusted RV Travel Trailer Frame

I may sound like a broken record, but I’ll say it again: Don’t treat your RV like you treat your car. You can drive a

You Should Buy a (Wired) Proportional Trailer Brake Controller!

Pop quiz! What’s between you and certain death when you’re slamming the brakes to avoid crashing into the back of a decelerating semi-truck? Answer: Your

Why Is This RV Mattress So **** Awful?! (and How to Make an RV Mattress More Comfortable)

Today, I’m taking a furlough from my usual topics of electricity, towing, and poop, and taking a foray into the world of interior design. (Or

Open Letter: An Apology for that Awful, Disgusting Sewer Hose

Dear RV Owner, I’m … I’m sorry. On behalf of the RV industry in which I work, I sincerely apologize for that pitiful, unsanitary, awkward,

Can I Soundproof and Insulate My RV?

Sometimes, living in an RV can feel like living in a glass house. I mean … you can hear everything. If the camper’s a-rockin’ …

Ross Recommends – Clubs and Memberships

This blog tends to lean toward the technical, how-to, DIY side of the RV world. But there’s a whole other hemisphere of RVing: Insurance and

Troubleshooting the RV Water Pump (and Why Is It So Noisy?)

Most RVs are equipped with an on-demand water pump. The water pump is the heart of your freshwater system. It pressurizes the water from your

RV Solar Is Way, Way Easier Than You Think!

The solar industry is dominated by geeks (and I use that term with respect) who love to discuss the ins and outs of monocrystalline panel

Nagging Effects of High Altitude on RV Operation

North America is blessed with some of the most stunning scenery on the planet, from the glaciated Cascades to the snow-capped Rockies to the granite

Common Insidious Causes of RV Roof Leaks

A roof leak is every RV owner’s worst nightmare. It’s scary clowns, black holes, teeth falling out, and going to work naked all rolled into

Travel Tips

11 Ways to Stop Thieves from Stealing Your Camper

“Hey! Someone just stole my house!” Not a likely complaint for “normal” families, but for our family of 6 who live in our RV full-time,

What Do I Need to Tow My Camper? – 9 Items You’ll Eventually Buy Anyway!

It’s your first time. You can feel your heart thudding against your chest. You look around, double-checking. You’ve never done this before. You’ve never connected

Walkie Talkies: RV Travel Tip

The Colorado Great Sand Dunes, the Louisiana Bayou, eastern Montana Big Sky Country, Oregon’s Hells Canyon, the Pennsylvania Wilds – I’ve been to all of

8 RV Newbie FAQs Answered (by Industry Insider)

Hello RV newbie! So you got bit by the travel bug, huh? And now it itches. You’re even hallucinating, now. You see turquoise glacier-fed lakes,

8 Things NOT to Pack for Your RV Road Trip

“The mountains are calling, and I must go. Oh, but I need to grab my pillow first!” – John Muir, with apologies The weekend beckons.

DIY Mods