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Cornerstone Content
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Tech Guides
Our bread n’ butter, these Guides help you understand the technical innards of your RV or camper!
Travel Tips
Ready to hit the road! You’ll enjoy your All-American cross-country road trip a lot more if you read our Travel Tips first!
DIY Mods
Anxious to upgrade? Looking for some DIY mods and repair tips? Check these out!
Questions From the Road
I answer (or attempt to answer) real questions from real RVers on the road.
Adventure
Nothing to see here yet! We’re too busy writing 😉
Article Index
Just want the facts? Here’s a full article index, organized by date.
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? It’s a curse. A sharp sense of smell is your first defense when diagnosing severe
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 Honda CRV for 16 years and 260,000 miles, never paint the underbody, endure harsh northeastern
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 brake controller! You need a brake controller to tow anything with axle brakes, aka, pretty
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 lack thereof.) Today’s topic: Your RV mattress. And why your dog has a more comfortable
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
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’ … Then soundproof your RV! This article is NOT an in-depth instructable how to soundproof your
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 financing, buying and selling, Wifi service and pet traveling tips … the list just goes
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 fresh water tank for delivery to your sinks, showerheads, and toilets. An RV water pump
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 efficiency, maximum power point tracking, and other technobabble. If you’re not a member of the
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 Sierras. Unfortunately, the RV industry is based in Elkhart, Indiana. Elevation above sea level: 748
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 one. If you’re buying or inspecting your RV, a roof leak needs to be the
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 you replicated that same shower in the typical RV, you’d run out of water in
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 sold in America has a fuel economy rating. When you stroll past new cars at
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 RV into a power supply, flowing electricity allows you to flick on your lights, pump
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 weight can overload your tow vehicle hitch and rear axle. As a rule: 10-15 percent
RV Newbie Questions That Everyone Asks
Welcome to the No-Judgement Zone. If you’re an RV Newbie, you’re probably bursting with questions! I get a lot of questions over … and over … and over again. So here they are, all in a row, for your convenience
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 and sealants on the market! How do you choose?! Before you finish this list, read how
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 have to do anything but drive!” The full width and breadth of the myth goes
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 can do almost everything! And it’s great for a quick, warm snack after a long
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 true! I’m a big fan of weight-distribution hitches. If you’re towing with a half-ton truck,
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
Ross Recommends – Must-Have Gear List for the RVer
Dear Reader, From time to time, I may recommend certain products on this blog. These are typically products I’ve used and loved, or products I’ve heavily researched and believe in. Many times, I’ve spoken directly with representatives of the company.
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 curb weight, factory weight, dry weight and unloaded vehicle weight? For some vehicles, all four
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. No indecipherable electronic hieroglyphics. It gets cold, then stays cold. I’m betting you haven’t enjoyed
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 die-hard RV owners won’t consider anything else but a tandem axle and try to scare
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
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 back to your RV and believe whatever you want to believe. You keep reading this
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%
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 no one-size-fits-all answer to your question. Thankfully, you can easily answer this question for yourself.
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 product design. Ford doesn’t tell you to reseal your windshield every 90 days. GAF doesn’t
4 Strategies How to Camp Off-Grid with Your CPAP Machine
If you’re dry camping in your RV, how do you power a CPAP machine? What if you frequent National Park campgrounds, which don’t usually have hookups? What about boondocking on BLM land? You might be one of the 18 million
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 done this before. You’ve never connected like this. After this weekend, will life ever be
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 you cook. It’s cheap and abundant – but also easily abused or mishandled. Treat it
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
Broken Vents and Rainstorms – Questions From the Road 2
Welcome to Questions From the Road! Hello there! Here, I answer (or take a crack at answering) real questions from real RVers, just like you. You might find your question here! If not, please send me an email! “What broke
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, intrepid blogger by night. And I DESPISE – that’s all caps – many of the
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 are jus’ ‘bout th’ same. Example: 92 degrees Fahrenheit, 91% humidity. If the mention of
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 Chemical Sensitivity). You may not even know anyone with MCS. But I invite you to
5 Reasons Why Your RV Doesn’t Need Solar Power
I admit it. The title of this article is clickbait-ish. Because there are actually dozens of reasons why you would want solar power! But as you’ll see in a few paragraphs, I’m also going to give you five reasons why
RV Solar Newbie? Questions You’re Too Afraid to Ask!
Right now, solar power is basking in the limelight. “It’ll charge your batteries for free,” says the salesman, “and allow you to boondock anywhere you want!” The highlights are legion: Solar power is green. It’s available anywhere. Many RVs come
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
Why Don’t All RVs Come with Vent Covers Installed? – And Other Questions From the Road
Welcome to Questions From the Road! Hello there! Here, I answer (or take a crack at answering) real questions from real RVers, just like you. You might find your question here! If not, please send me an email! “Why are
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
Why You Need an Inverter Generator (Best Brands, Sizes, What to Avoid)
I love inverter generators. Luuuuuv them. They are quiet, lightweight, and efficient. And dare I say, kinda cute. Compare that to the typical conventional generator: a smelly brick of a machine with a full-throated roar and an unquenchable thirst for
RV Propane Safety Guide (Don’t Freeze Your Hand Off!)
I probably look like Buddy the Elf cautiously turning a Jack in the Box every time I change my propane tanks without gloves. Surprise Toys GIF from Elf GIFs Many years ago, I got a blast of propane on my
Every Hack to Get Internet and WiFi While RVing
If you spend any significant amount of time in an RV, you may be wondering, “Can you have internet in an RV?” The simple answer is yes, you can have RV WiFi internet on the go! While your solution will
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
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 awesome kids, and beloved boxer in our 150-sf RV. Each day we are learning, laughing,
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? If you don’t have time to read the complete article (tsk, tsk), then check out these complete tables! Or click the big blue button to read about
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).
15 Clever Strategies How to Keep Your RV Warm in the Winter
An RV ain’t cheap. While RVs are most associated with sunshine and road trips, you want to get your money’s worth year-round. Why keep your RV in the driveway for six or seven months out of the year when you
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, this is a real risk. Bad news: Surging demand for RVs coupled with low dealer
16 Clever Strategies How to Keep Your RV Cool in the Summer
Summer is fast approaching and it’s carrying plenty of heat in tow! If you’re just itching to hit the road in your RV, here are some options you need to consider when deciding how to keep your RV cool in
Your Niggling FAQs About RV Composting Toilets – Answered!
They say public speaking is the number one fear, but I’ll bet composting toilets are a close second. Women who don’t sneeze at wiping a baby’s bottom for three years squeak at the very idea of handling grown-up waste. Grown
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 like this. After this weekend, will life ever be the same? Hey, hold up, I’m
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
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
How to Find and Get Rid of RV Odors (with Examples)
“Ewww ewww that smell? Can’t ya smell that smell?” Let’s hope not. I’m no stranger to odors. I live full-time in my travel trailer with my wife, four rambunctious children, and our boxer Petty (named after Tom Petty, of course).
How to Clean an RV Holding Tank: 7 Tested Methods that Actually Work!
On one of our first RV adventures, my son threw half a roll of toilet paper, tube and all, down our RV toilet. Luckily for me, it was wedged just shy of the abyss that is our RV black tank.
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
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 them. And guess what? None of them had any cell phone service. I was traveling
Why I Hate Portable Air Conditioners for RVs (and Nobody Understands Them)
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
My Portable RV Waste Tank: 6 Lessons a Full-Timer Learned at the Dump Station
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 awesome kids, and beloved boxer in our 150-sf RV. Each day we are learning, laughing,
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, amber flames licking against the Milky Way, burnt red arches silhouetted against foreboding canyon backdrops.
RV Tank Sensors – Why You’re Seeing False Positives (and How to Clean Them!)
Q: What’s the difference between a shiny, white, clean toilet … And a dirty, smelly toilet with sewage bubbling up in the bowl? Eww … A: Working tank sensors! These humble servants of your plumbing system measure the amount of
Part 2: What Are My RV Battery Life Power Needs?
So, Reader, you’ve heard the evidence from Part 1: What Are My RV Power Needs? And the verdict is clear: You need more power! You need more RV battery life! But how? … You can A) generate more power or
RV Glossary – Terms and Definitions
Have you wondered, “What exactly is a honey wagon? What is a TT? What’s the meaning of life and is there alien life in the universe?” You’re on your own with that last one. But we can help with the
Part 3: The Ultimate FAQ Guide to RV Tires
Affiliate Disclaimer: Some of the product links are on this page are affiliate links. If you click through and purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks! Welcome to Part 3: The Ultimate FAQ
Part 1: What Are My RV Battery Power Needs?
It’s like the 1988 Cinderella rock band hair balad: “You don’t know what you got till it’s goooooone!” Amps are like that. You don’t appreciate them until your battery’s fresh out and you’re buried under three blankets and yesterday’s jeans,
RV Generator vs RV Solar Panels? – Public Poll Results
I listen to you, Reader. I study your comments. I sympathize with your frustrations. If we didn’t live so apart, I’d loan you my power tools or let you borrow my flashlight. I’ll go to the ends of the earth
Part 2: The Ultimate FAQ Guide to RV Tires
Affiliate Disclaimer: Some of the product links are on this page are affiliate links. If you click through and purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks! Pssst … Missed Part 1 of the
How an RV Toilet Works: Everything You (Didn’t) Want to Know
I wanted to begin this article with a poop joke, but they all stank. Alright, let’s get serious. We aren’t 5th graders (geez). Now, here’s the big question: How does an RV toilet work? This isn’t an unimportant question. I
Part 1: The Ultimate FAQ Guide to RV Tires
Affiliate Disclaimer: Some of the product links are on this page are affiliate links. If you click through and purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks! Whether they undergird a large fifth-wheel or
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. You’re packing the RV on Thursday evening, preparing for an early Friday start. What should
Can My Vehicle Tow My RV? (No, It Probably Can’t)
It all sounded so simple at the dealership. “You drive an F-150, huh? That won’t be a problem. It can tow about 10,000 lbs, right?” says Rick the RV salesman. He grins and slaps the electric tongue jack of a
No, You Can’t Run Your RV Air Conditioner on Battery. Sorry.
“Hey, Ross, can I run my RV AC on battery? I want to go boondocking for the weekend and I don’t have a generator.” If I had a dollar every time I’ve been asked this question, I could (maybe) afford
RV Solar-Prep Package: What’s In a Name?
RV salespeople luuuuuuv solar-ready or solar-prep packages. They’re easy talking points – and oh look, it comes with a sticker! Pretty . . . Unfortunately, they may not mean much else. What Is Included in a Solar-Prep Package? A full
EternaBond: A Sticky Third Hand for RV Repair and Maintenance
“Duct tape is like the force. It has a light side, a dark side, and it holds the world together.” Originally uttered by Paul Fix, these words of wisdom have seen many a homeowner through a car repair, roof leak,
