Our Blog
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Riddle Me This: Difference Between RV Butyl Tape and Putty Tape?
This is an ode to butyl tape, an RVer’s third hand in times of need. Butyl tape is the secret sauce of RV construction. It’s a sticky, gooey, tacky tape that you’ll find behind entry door frames, exterior aluminum trim, ceiling fan flanges, awning mounts, and dozens of other components. It’s omnipresent. It waterproofs your…
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8 Common Signs of an RV Roof Leak
In the same way that rashes, coughs, and fevers are the symptoms of a human sickness, water stains and soft spots are the harbingers of a leaking RV roof. If you learn what to look for, you can diagnose a failing RV roof before it brings the rest of your RV down with it. Unfortunately,…
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What’s the Difference Between Weight Distribution and Sway Control?
Weight distribution is not the same thing as sway control. Actually, let me rephrase that, because it’s not 100% accurate. Somewhat confusingly, a trailer with proper weight distribution will naturally tend to sway and bounce less. This is the primary reason we have minimum tongue/pin weights, after all. But this is where, unfortunately, the English…
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Are RVs Built to a Design Code?
Are RVs built to a code? Yes, they are. Some of you are scoffing right now, wondering how your piddly bunk bed ladder could possibly pass an inspection. Well, actually, that’s not part of the code. RV construction code, you see, isn’t analogous to the IRC that we all know and love. RVs aren’t like…
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The RV Inverter Backfeed Problem and the “Poor Man’s RV Inverter Install”
Fair warning: What I’m about to describe is not kosher. It’s not a recommended installation method, nor am I recommending it. I’m walking you through the idea so you can see the flaws and realize that there’s a better way. Did you ever read the children’s book, “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie”? About…
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Signs of a Failing RV Converter, from an RV Tech
Contrary to what the rest of the internet may tell you, RV converters are rarely fixable. In fact, some manufacturers design their converters specifically so they are not serviceable in the field (looking at you, WFCO). They either work, or they don’t. If your converter is dead or dying, you will need to unceremoniously divorce…
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Winterizing an RV Tankless Water Heater: Step-by-Step Guide (by Model)
If you’re a member of the RV tankless water heater club, congratulations! You now get to enjoy unlimited hot water on demand for showering, cooking, rinsing the dog, and drinking green tea. But what’s the protocol for winterizing an RV instant water heater? Contrary to what you’ve been told, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. Some…
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Does a Weight Distribution Hitch Reduce Tongue Weight?
Many an RVer who starts searching online for “RV weight distribution hitches” will be sitting in that same chair three hours later, muttering curse words, browsing comments on RV forums that completely contradict each other, and getting angrier by the click. My aim is to rescue you from that cyber abyss. If you’re wondering whether…
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How NOT to Remove RV Lap Sealant (Common DIY Mistakes!)
Every RV roof should be inspected twice annually. Develop the habit of inspecting the roof in the spring and fall. If you store your RV outdoors, inspect the roof after every major weather event. You never know when a tree limb might decide to impale your ceiling! Every 3-8 years, you will likely need to…
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Should My RV Water Heater Have an Anode Rod? (A Nerd’s Answer)
If this is the first time you’ve heard about an anode rod, chances are …. you’re in trouble. Many RV conventional water heaters require an anode rod to protect the metal tank. Water carries minerals that will eat away common metals; the anode rod lays down its life for the sake of its friends, and…
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Engineer Answers: What Causes RV Fiberglass Delamination?
RV fiberglass delamination is the avada kedavra curse of the camping world. Once you see your beloved RV sidewalls start to bubble and pop, the end is nigh! – – or is it? Does fiberglass delaminations spell certain death to your RV? Can it be fixed? What causes delamination in the first place? Let’s talk…
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What’s Better RV Power Protection: A Multimeter or a Surge Protector?
In the matter of protecting your RV when hooking up to shore power, you have three options: Which Is Better for RV Power Protection: A Multimeter or a Surge Protector? Between the first two options, you might assume, given that I am a recovering penny-pincher AND a bit of a data freak, that I would…
