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

You can either scroll down to view blog posts by category.
Or you can jump to a full index organized by published date.

I recommend checking out at least one Original Content piece.

Original Content

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

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

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 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

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?

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

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

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,

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

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

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,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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? (with Examples)

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

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

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.

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

Pros and Cons of RV Tankless Water Heaters

The typical American shower guzzles about 18 gallons of water at a rate of 2.1 gpm (gallons per minute). It’s warm, steamy, refreshing, exfoliating. If

Why Don’t Motorhomes Show MPG Ratings? (and Other RV Fuel Economy Questions Answered)

Wondering what’s the gas mileage of a motorhome? Bad news, folks. RVs are exempt from EPA fuel economy ratings. Every passenger car and light truck

Here’s A Surprising Difference Between 30A and 50A RV Power!

Electricity magically transforms your RV from a hardshell tent into a luxurious living space. It’s organized lightning, blue smoke, 21st-century cocaine. When you plug your

Let’s Talk Tongue Weight: What Keeps You Up at Night?

You can’t tow safely unless you know the tongue weight of your RV. Too little tongue weight can cause uncontrollable trailer sway. Too much tongue

My Favorite RV Caulks and Sealants (Not Just Another Schmoozy Amazon List!)

Hello RV owner! If you’ve browsed the shelves at your local Camping World, then you know … there are a dizzying number of RV caulks

You’re Not Actually Charging Your RV Battery With Your Tow Vehicle!

A gross lie has been perpetrated upon the RV community. The lie is: “Your trailer umbilical cord will charge your RV house batteries. You don’t

The Essential Guide to the RV Microwave (and Is Convection Better?)

Nothing beats the convenience of a microwave when you want gummy pizza, overheated hot chocolate, or limp, lifeless eggs. I kid. Properly used, a microwave

The Big 7 Misconceptions About Weight Distribution Hitches

If you’ve read my article on the hidden danger of a weight-distribution hitch, you might be wondering what else you thought you knew that isn’t

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

When Towing, the Weakest Link Breaks the Chain

I contend that towing an RV has ruined more relationships than Tinder. RV weight ratings are cryptic, overlapping, muddled, and nuanced. What’s the difference between

How This Blog Makes Money

Hello reader! In the theater business, what I’m about to do is called “breaking the fourth wall.” I want us to talk as one person

The Essential Guide to Your RV Absorption Refrigerator (and Why It Doesn’t Work in the Mountains)

Isn’t your home fridge wonderful? It’s as silent and reliable as a British soldier in the Queen’s Guard. No obnoxious beeps. No 20-page instruction manual.

Advanced Framing for Tiny Houses – Do’s and Dont’s

So you’re itching to begin construction on your Tiny House on Wheels? Congratulations! You’ll have so much fun (I did). You’ll also lose a few

The Eternal Debate: Single Axle vs Dual Axle for RVs? (Is One Safer?)

If you’re shopping for a travel trailer, you have a decision to make: Single axle or dual axle? It’s a hotly debated forum topic. Some

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

If You Buy an RV Lithium Battery, You’ll Need a Converter to Go With It!

This is your last chance. After this, there’s no turning back. You stop reading this article about lithium batteries, and the story ends. You go

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,

How Long Will My RV Propane Tanks Last?

“How long will my propane tanks last?” I have the answer. 3 days, 2 hours and 42 minutes. Don’t trust me? Good. Because there is

Sealing the Outside of Your RV – Meet the Family (of Caulks and Sealants)

Can I start out with an apology? Sad Sorry GIFfrom Sad GIFs The effort required to maintain your RV exterior is unacceptable for 21st century

Never Towed an RV Before? (Scared?) – Start Here!

It’s your first time. You can feel your heart thudding against your chest. You look around, double-checking everything has been set up correctly. You’ve never

101 Intro to Your RV Propane System (No Judgment Zone)

Propane is the lifeblood of many RVers. As coursing blood in the body heals and energizes, so does propane carry warmth, enable refrigeration, and help

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

RV Insulation R-Values – a Dirty Little Secret

Confession: I kinda have a thing for insulation. R-values excite me. It comes with the brain type, I suppose. I’m an RV engineer by day,

4 Best High-Efficiency RV Air Conditioners for Boondocking

Old South residents have a saying: “The weather is close today.” According to a New Orleans friend of mine, that means the temperature and humidity

RVs for People with MCS – Are There Any Chemically-Safe RVs?

Wait – what’s MCS? Glad you asked, Reader. It’s crazy how you ask a question I’m about to answer! You might not have MCS (Multiple

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

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

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

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

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?

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

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,

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?

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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,

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

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

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,

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

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

The One Upgrade Campground Thieves Don’t Want You to Know About

Michael Huff: Full-time RVer, husband, father, son, brother, friend and dreamer. I am officially “living the dream:” traveling the country with my amazing wife, four