I've been watching RV living RUclips videos since I bought my first rig in 2019. I just discovered you day before yesterday! I've been binge watching your channel ever since. I'm about to embark on my very first solo adventure from NY to NC to visit my children. I am so grateful that I found you!
Coleman here, thanks for bringing these topics to my attention. I'm now beginning to address every topic you discussed with my preparedness and maintaining our RV.
I recently found & subscribed to your Channel & you are quickly becoming one of my favorites...I'm an almost 70 yr old woman ("Surviving Spouse" since '81). You seem so easy to talk to & understanding that I almost told you my life story ( well, the last 4 yrs, since I've lived in an old 5th Wheel!). It's been really tough, but I'm not a quitter > been preparing and doing everything on my own all my life, but now I'm about worn out & broken-down. I don't know if I can pass muster repairing/maintaining my "home on wheels", but your content is a blessed help, so thank you. ps: prayers for you & your wife Joni ( hope to see her on a video someday, too > she's blessed to have such a good husband & must be quite a special lady! Thank you both!
I just discovered you last week. I have been using you tube for awhile to learn how to work on my rv. It has been an awesome experience. You are now in my top 3 channels. Thank you for your time.
At 70 years old my wife finally talked me into buying an RV. I am normally an artist and working on paintings but am able to fix almost everything. I knew when we purchased a used, older RV, it would involve a learning curve, I just didn't know how sweeping that curve would be. It has taken all of my time and the paintings have been placed on the back burner. After doing a lot of remodeling and rebuilding (wood rot) our 20 footer is really taken on a new life. This vid has opened up a new door for me to work on which is preparing and planning ahead and knowing, in more detail, how this little monster of ours works. Thank you for your vids, they are very helpful and we plan on using your Amazon store.
Nothing but straight talk on this channel. Great video and topic. I posted the above before watching the while video. Long story short, I feel like I have a lot of work to do. I'm mechanically inclined and you've given me a few scenarios to solve for. Glad I subbed.
Thank you John. Glad to have you aboard 👏 Go here to see a lot more of what I'm talking about to take care of your RV: ruclips.net/user/RVstreetplaylists
Agreed Agreed Agreed....I've got a Class A Gas, thats where it starts. 24,000 lbs of responsibility that I live in full-time. So RUclips's RV service channels are a must for component manuals and service manuals the techs use to diagnose and repair problems. So far I've troubleshooted my Norco fridge, fixed, rewired the tail lights of my tow vehicle, enhanced/ stabilized the driveablity of this F53 chassis, downloaded the code and troubleshoot manual for the Onan generator and fixed an Over frequency issue (free$), so many for little things and I've only had this unit for 16 months. RV service centers are a Big Never and a traveling RV service tech is right next to that cause what I fixed a service tech would have charged me a ton of money. My tools I carry are specific to the equipment of this coach but there are a couple things I still need like a 500 ft/lb torque wrench for these 22.5" wheel lug nuts. Even though they don't give you a spare tire with these things you still have to check torque occasionally. So my bottom line is know what your dealing with and hew to fix it.
I keep a backup Magneto Stator and Rectifier with my Polaris Ranger SxS, w/ a backup battery ‘n battery isolator and all your typical emergency gear, traction pads, winch, battery starter, jumper cables, tire patch kit, tools, several radios, ACR plb, so if I’m out in the back country and something happens, I can deal with it. Love the videos, A+. “Prior, proper, planning, prevents, piss, poor, performance.” “Two is one, one is none.” Submariner Rule. I cannot stand not being able to do my own repairs. I love the video where you explain the crucial/critical items to have onboard your RV. After viewing your video I immediately purchased those items from your Amazon store. I have picked up so many nails, screws, bolts in my tires on my GMC Duramax and have averted catastrophe with a TPMS.
Martin you and I are alot alike. I fix everything that I can and for other people. I've been told I'm a parts man, but if you don't have them your stuck in a pickle. Love your videos and your channel!!!!
Knowledge is power! Socrates said "The only good is knowledge and the only evil is ignorance." My father always told me that the day I stop learning is the day I die. Having never married, I HAD to learn how to do things for my self. I'm still learning how to repair things in my rig and do all the maintenance. All the DIY videos on RUclips are invaluable to this Class C owner. Thank you for the quality content you produce.
Nice video to give us food for thought. Last year, entered a nice rural state park in NC with less than 1/2 on MH. Colonial pipeline happened. Luckily bought two gas cans, different stores and got 35 gallons driving to stations. We reacted late, but not too late. If not we couldn’t make our next destination. I hated that uncertainty for a week. I try to enter my destination with a full tank. It went downhill fast in NC.
A lot of RV'ers especially New RV'ers think they must go to an RV dealer or repair facility for all repairs or parts. For the 5ers and towables, if you have troubles or need parts for the suspension, axles, most leveling jacks and such, one can go to any place that handles flat bed and gooseneck trailers to have repairs made or pick up parts. Most times you can get in sooner and be cheaper than at a RV dealer. Just saying, quite a few times, there is more than one source for parts or repairs.
Martin, I have a good one for you which happened to me over 10 years ago. " What do you do when you loose the rearview mirror from either side (gets hit by something). No quick fix Unless you are lucky and it takes time to order and get the exact match. but I was able to manage it to stick it to its broken base as it had some crap laying around in my tool box, ( no tape would hold it to the body as the rear view mirrors are real heavy and roads are bumpy. Its very very dangerous to drive an RV without either side of rearview mirror.
I am currently refusing to take delivery on my first RV, a toy hauler, because one of the ramp door handles looked hard to open & lightly gouged during the Zoom walkthrough. Probably a good call in light of your reported issues in parts & service time. Thanks for inspiring me to stick to my guns of postponing or preventing a purchase that would ultimately destroy my unhealthy wrists. I will try to buy through your AMZ program anyway because you are such a generous teacher.
Thank you Susan. Additional thoughts: Using a Zoom call for a walk thru is a bad idea. Sound like they are using a Zoom call to act as their (PDI - Pre-Delivery inspection). There is no way you can physically look and test all the systems to make sure everything is working properly. Once you take possession of the rig all bets are off to get anything fixed later on. A Zoom call may be OK for an initial determination that you want to proceed with the purchase BUT then you insist-in writing-to give them a Refundable deposit to hold the rig, but then you go to, fly to or whatever and get to the dealership, have them park them unit with full hookups, and actually stay in the RV for at least a day or two and test EVERYTHING. Then present them a list of what has to be fixed BEFORE you give them final payment or process papers to finalize the purchase. They have incentive now to fix everything to complete the sale. Once they say everything has been fixed....CHECK IT. If you don't do it this way-AGAIN-getting things fixed after purchase will be difficult at best. Also, thank you for using my Amazon Store for whatever you need. It means more than you know 💕
@@RVstreet I have not signed anything electronically nor on paper, but did put $1k down on a credit card to hold it for me, presumably from other interested buyers. I will not go any further with the sale. Too much money & WAY too many systems to go wrong. Thanks for supporting me backing out of a bad way to do this kind of purchase. I am so grateful to have found you & Joanie. ❤️
Better to have it an not need it than need it and not have it .... great suggestions ... now, action speaks louder than words .. .. always has always will.
I probably will never do a winterization tips video because I too am a FTer and travel all the time. So I never need to winterize so wouldn't be able to demonstrate.
Well done video Martin. Thank you for helping us get our minds set for emergencies that will probably happen. I have watched several of your videos and am amazed at the instruction in them. I need to know what your recipe is for your sanitize bottle for spraying around your black water area. I know you use bleach but you said in one of your videos you have your own recipe. Will you share that with us? Thank you for all you are doing to help us newbies with our RV's. RVing for 3 months.
Self reliant. OK, then PPE. N95 masks, Soap&water, anti-bacterial hand sanitizer, etc, etc, etc, etc, and don't forget to wear than neon green or olde standby- orange safety vest when you step out onto the highway to check & change that flat tire.
The question about being prepared made me smile. I was full time during Y2K. Everyone was expecting everything was going to collapse. I felt like I was in pretty good shape. I still have a reliable RV and feel pretty confident. Just have to ask, what's with the girley gloves? LOL I had the no power problem last summer when I was in RI and hurricane Henri came ashore right over us. No power for over 36 hours. Then when power in the park came on the circut breaker at the campground pedestal would not stay latched. Had to get the campground to come change the 50 amp circuit breaker.
@@WILDEBILL308 It's all good my friend. Honest question or not. Wearing my mechanic's gloves and my bandana is part of who I am on my channel. But your Girley gloves comment still made me laugh. For me, as you get older, letting little things get under you skin is just not worth it. Hope you stick around. 👍
Martin I just want to say that I really appreciate your time and effort in putting these videos together. We are new to your channel and just recently subscribed. All of the videos I have seen are very well explained and easily understandable. You and Joanie are “blessings” to us RVers. I have learned so much and continue to look forward to more.
Let's face it some people just don't have any business owning a RV without the quick access and support we use to have. Watching your videos and a lot of research hopefully will keep someone from making a mistake owning something beyond their abilities. Freightliner just charged over $11,000 to rebuild a DEF system and reprogram the onboard computers on a friend's RV and took over 3 weeks. Owning a large RV may be a thing of the past for some of us.
I think your exactly right going forward. This was the main reason I didn't buy a DP and bought a gas coach instead. I mean, I have an emergency fund but being retired, I just don't have that kinda cash laying around for something that may pop up. I know of a fella that over heated his gas rig in Arizona a couple of years ago and trashed his V10. He had the whole engine replaced for $5,600 and it took 2 weeks.
What if …it’s real we try to prepare even more at home & on the road & for our camper( until things gets better) or better yet we need to be prepared & just make it a part of all our everyday life…yeap learn to be smarter learning & doing is important good info ✔️
FYI - if you have the same V10 engine as I do you really need to be using a MotorCraft Oil Filter, FL820S The "S" stands for silicone anti-drain back valve I carry that filter in my Amazon Store in the "Tires, Engine and Chassis Care" category www.amazon.com/shop/rvstreet It's more expensive than Walmart but you get it delivered to your door 👍
@@RVstreet I went back and watched. To the end. And yes, I have note books of items. I have put all the tools I think I will need. I inspect my rv every time we stop. The list of things I need are growing from the original video I watched of you yours about how to make the outside look new again. So I will say, the home work never ends thanks to what you have instilled in me about every life. I have the spares started, and will have them with me always. All because of someone like you that helps us be better at enjoying the RV. 👍
Martin we live in a country were over 50% expects the government to take care of them and another 25% hope the government will help them out if they need it. RVers not much different most go to the shop or call someone. Some don't have their health, some prefer to just pay someone. I like you, while I can I prefer doing it myself. Thanks to your channel I'm better prepared to do that. Just in the last month or so, I replaced my converter, the fabric on slide toppers, installed a fan inside the fridge and cleaned the drain tube, and still have several projects to work on. There is no way a guy can be bored living in a RV always somethng to do.
Not sure when I subscribed. Can I do any of this: no. But, I have one tiny advantage: I don't yet own an RV. This does not mean I cannot learn beforehand, which is why I'm here.
After looking at your YT page I would say your quite the talented lady. Learning how RV's work and how to take care of at least the basics to start off with-if you ever get one in the future-I would say you certainly can. Glad to have you aboard 👍
Thanks! Im a senior disabled lady. I know how to do some things but not sure I can any more. I need to see, for instance, if I can still maneuver under my RV and check the genset oil. Wait! No... I need to see if I can push the gen door back up and secure it and get out from under the RV on my own! Lol
Martin in September we bought a Tiffin Allegro 2003 motorcoach so I could take my disabled husband to Texas to see his grandson get married. If I had known about you & your videos before, I wouldn't have bought this RV. But we did. There is soooo much that needs martinize. There is rust everywhere! One of the hydraulic levels won't work & we are on a waiting list to have it fixed. Furnace won't work. I have bought controller board, limit switch & igniter to fix it myself. I feel overwhelmed because there is so much to do & I only have one day a week to work on it. I have a full time job & not only do I take care of my husband & 4 cats but I help my sister one day a week with my mother. I love the RV no matter how much work there has to be done. But after watching your videos I feel like I can do it. One project at a time. It took me forever to find the hot water heater bypass valve so I could sanitize my water system. I have all my manuals but in this case the manual said there was a bypass valve but didn't say where. Thanks to you I got an endoscopy & found it. I got a long ways to go but I am going to do it as time & money allows. You will never know how much your videos have helped. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Mat the Good Love bless you & Joanie!
Ya, don't get overwhelmed but I understand how easy it is to get that way with a schedule like yours. Like you said, "One project at a time." I'm so impressed with you CAN DO attitude. By the time you knock out this punch list, you'll know your coach a whole lot more. You'll get there.
Love your channel Martin I'm a retired truck driver and diesel tech and I live in my old 97 dodge grand caravan with 300,000 miles just put a new engine in it last year and I know my van like the back of my hand and people always ask why don't you buy a new van. ??? And I'm like why nothing is wrong with this one. I never break down because I stay on top of preventive maintenance. Very important hope people listen to you. Keep up the good work man
How can I raise the two beds MANUALLY , on my 2008 weekend warrior superlite rv/toy hauler ? As , I want to make this section , for a office . Thank You : )
Hi Gary, Gee I have no idea. I'd have to be there and take a look at your set up to come up with a plan. But I KNOW you'll figure it out and get er done 👍 🔧
I just left a message to happy ever hanks channel, because they had,have water problems. The following is what I said to them-----My wife and I watch a lot of rv channels because we plan, before the year is out to buy one. So the best Place to go to learn how to fix things, water hose connections , is RV street.
Absolutely right about being prepared!! You never know when but having tools, materials and a little knowledge can really save you. I was setting up one day deploying the bedroom slide when I heard a noise you never want to hear. The rear slide topper bracket had pulled out of the sidewall and the topper was trying to retract over the slide roof. The sinking feeling of what have I done moved to what can I do. Out with the tool box and bin of screws, brackets and aluminum plate that I always carry. These RV's have so little structure in the walls I had to fabricate 2 backing plates and bolt the brackets right through the slide out wall. Stainless steel bolts, lock nuts, sealant and plate all on hand and job done and still working fine years later!
Being a heating contractor you wouldnt beleive how many people are not ready for no heat . I dont want to scare anyone but there is a parts shortage in my trade to.
Hi, I own and live in a 2013 Montana 5th wheel. 2things that I find at fault, and no answers from mfg, or anyone else. Your help is appreciated. 1st, the rig has 2roof ac, living room is ducted, and bedroom non ducted. Both dometic. The front struggles to stay cool, but.. the bedroom works very good, but theres the issues. The ac blows directly onto the bed, and, as happens in the socal weather, we need the ac at night, we FREEZE. There are no louvers to redirect the wind.. thats no typo. The other issue is even worse. I can look up thro the ac cieling, and see daylight. It has been noted that theres nothng wrong with the nit, it was built that way, but even worse is that depending on season, either cold, or hot air radiates, or if windy, blows into the room! I am very tight.. rephrase, TIGHT with our funds, and need help sealing this issue and not wast money out the roof.
Well without being there to diagnose the issue properly here are my thoughts: 1) It's very important to clean your AC units every year so proper air flow is flowing thru. That could be your problem in the living room AC unit struggling to stay cool. I did a video on that: ruclips.net/video/oTo9xGqSeEI/видео.html 2) On the bedroom unit you need to get some 1/4" insulation board-@ HD-and some foil tape and fix those areas from the inside. You should NOT be seeing and day light from inside. Bad install. If you're freezing at night, close the bedroom doors, turn the AC unit fan to low and raise the T-stat some. Hope this helps. thx Lar 👍
@@RVstreet Thanks Martin. Ive been thru all of your vids, well done. I have a very good list of domestic engineering projects, weekly, monthly half year, and year end. The ac's get 2nd priority while spring. This year its been very unusually hot, and thats when I find the faults. Ill be insulating both units this week. Im going to be utilizing your 20a electrical ideas also. 1 more question, can I run a dogbone from my 50a service, 20a 14-3 to another dogbone to the coach?
we are at the fish or cut bait point of buying and going full time. After a year of research and thinking I have looked at every Class A known to have been manufactured I am amazed how many coaches have been just driven with no PM our upgrades. This sure makes it hard to get a unit that will have a extended life span without a major expense. Thank you for your efforts. lets just hope the horses led to water will start drinking. This is the "Scoundrel and the Duchess" wishing you both safe travels!
Question I have a Dodge it's fiberglass sides .I LIVE IN TEXAS 65 MOH WINDS Neighbors Who DONT.tie things down well something took roof off rv it was a thin wood with a fiber based cover over the thin wood how do you repair something like that please? Ripped off the AD JUST ABLE WINDOW VENT window too..THOSE RVS ARE TALL WAY UP THERE TO FIX. Also tires they say r going to be hard to get..what is best way to park a motor home shore up ??How do you shore it up how, what, where. Do shores go on motor home to shore it up? To save tires and how is best way to protect tires to keep them from cracking? Roting.? Sorry for all questions didn't figure on so much wind damage.. REALLY RUINS STUFF.:-( BAD Does leaving gas in tank in case of emergencies bad to do..Dodge is a 1980 and only has 10,000 miles in engine. Thanks so Much you are truly right people who can repair CARS , RV'S EVEN HEATING UNITS ON HOME. RARE !!! THEY DONT KNOW HOW ITS GETTING TO NE A LOST ART,YET TO GET ANYONE TO TEACH YOU LIKEE IN THE OLD DAYS EVEN TO BE A JOURNEYMAN WORK 4 FREE TO JUST LEARN SKILL..NO WAY THEY WILL TEACH YOU Now DAYS,,SO SOON WILL BE A TOTALLY LOST ART OF REPAIRING COOL THINGS. THANK YOU FOR THANK YOU 4 TAKING THE TIME TO TEACH US.:-)
I read your post 3x's to try to understand exactly what you were asking me and I'm not sure I totally understand some of your questions. Sorry 😭 But I'll try my best. For example: 1) "Ripped off the *AD JUST ABLE WINDOW VENT window too."* Not sure what this means by the wording. But, performing roof maintenance often is an very important thing to do-like every 6 months-to prevent something like this from happening. You have to get up on the roof and inspect and perform roof PM items. How to fix your particular senario is impossible for me to comment on without looking at it closely and come up with a plan. With extensive damage each roof would have to be evaluated individually. Here's a video I did that shows you what I do to maintain my fiberglass roof: ruclips.net/video/H00oNtbvtrk/видео.html 2) Tires. Yes tires are getting hard to find and probably will continue in the near future at the very least. Here's a video I just did 3 months ago on how I addressed this problem and installed a new tires on my coach: ruclips.net/video/zjVeal3qzb8/видео.html Since most RV tires will age out before they wear out the tread, taking care of tires is also a very important PM item. For example: keeping the proper PSI in them according to your weight. Always have a TPMS and sensors on every tire including a tow vehicle if you have one. Exercise your tires often. Running your RV often down the highway heats up and cools your tires. This allows the tires to stay healthy. Tires that just sit for long periods of times is not good. They can also develop flat spots and the chemistry of the rubber will break down. I also apply 303 to the outside of my tires about once a month when traveling and then cover my tires with tire covers when not in use to protect them from the damaging effects of the sun. Having a 1980 Dodge with only 10,000 miles in engine is not good. That tells me it hasn't hardly ever been run or exercised and this is not good for the entire RV and especially all drive train components, fluids, and rubber parts in the engine bay. Watch this video about exercising: ruclips.net/video/NRF-0wbexdM/видео.html 3) *what is best way to park a motor home shore up ??How do you shore it up* Not sure what "shore it up means" but I'll try. If your talking about just storing it for long periods of time....well first of all like I said above it should NOT sit for long periods of time in the first place. But between times of exercising and then you park it again, just park it on the tires. No need to use your leveling jacks. It also depends on what climate your in. If it's really cold your going to lose air pressure over time and could develop flat spots in the tires. So be sure to keep your tires inflated properly. Don't park on asphalt or concrete without putting something like a piece of plywood under all tires to prevent chemicals from the surface leaching into the tires. Don't park over grassy or wet ground because that cause an increased moisture under the RV and cause rust on the chassis and electrical components. There are more precautions to take depending on where you live. I suggest studying further for your situation. 4) *Does leaving gas in tank in case of emergencies bad to do.* No as long as you put something like Sea Foam into the tank when you fill it up. One can/20 gallons of gas will keep gas fresh for at least a year. Once you add Sea Foam run the RV down the highway and also run your generator if you have one. This will insure all fuel systems are treated and will be ok. It sounds like you are fairly new to owning an RV. You need to start making learning about all your systems and maintenance items a priority. I have a lot of videos that will show you the things you need to do to you RV all the time to keep it healthy, dependable and prevent bad things from happening in the first place here: ruclips.net/user/RVstreetplaylists I also recommend you go to my home page, hit the subscribe button and don't forget to ring the bell off to the right and check All. That way you can start watching my new videos as I release them going forward. Everything I've mentioned above and that I use and that you need to maintain your RV is in my Amazon Store: www.amazon.com/shop/rvstreet Hope this helps 👍
Do the best to maintain on regular basis but then prepare for the worst as the rv repair shops do rip you off when you are on the road and broken down.
Right on Nader 👍 *Do the best to maintain on regular basis * That's what my channel is all about. If you're interested, here's my complete library of videos: www.youtube.com/@RVstreet/playlists
My onboard generator croaked in my 2016 Thor axis. Was lucky to find a small generator shop that could fit me right in. But, at a cost. It was VERY labor intensive, removing and replacing the generator from the RV. Needed a new carburetor and starter. Wound up paying $1,700 dollars. Decided to buy a small backup generator for our next trip, we do a lot of boondocking. Thanks for another informative video! 😎
Hey Martin. In your three types of RVers (~7 min mark) I think you left out an important group; extended-time, such as “snowbirds”. These folks have a fixed/home base (not an RV) but live in their RV for months at a time, either in one place or moving around.
Thanks Bruce for taking the time to comment 👍 Yeah I didn't mention them by name nor did I mention Winter Texans which is what they call snow birds down here in RGV. But in my mind they're just like us. Living and traveling in their RV. But no matter how you use your RV were all important and face the same things taking care of the RV and being prepared.
I work for an rv service place. Thank you for speaking from your heart, I’m seeing first hand the gathering clouds!!!!! Our service place can’t keep up with all the unprepared and newbies, all the service places in town are drowning in the demand for service and supply issues (we at the West coast of Canada) Lack of basic troubleshooting knowledge, preparedness is rampant!!!!
Speaking from an older rural new Englander, l don't recall my parents "teaching" us how to be prepared for the heavy winters of my youth andor the inability to get to towns away grocery stores, but we learned nevertheless by example. Having the large vegetable gardens and canning or how to even stretch out whole fresh tomatoes etc. Chickens for fresh eggs even on the smallest of properties, how to fix an en engine, how they basically work, how to find freshwater even under ice. Foraging in the woods, how sweet the blueberries are, l could go on forever. We don't get to do that so much anymore but now there's a lot more info except it's all connected to having power it seems. l support what you're saying 100% be prepared as the alternative is no fun and can even cost you a lot more than money.
Hey there Martin & Joanie! @RV Street, we're trying to figure out which video from the RV Odd Couple you are reacting to. Any chance you could link us to it? Thank you! Happy Weekend! xoxo Deb N Aaron (Dora and Smyt)
I work in the electrical tech sector also doing "customer service tech calls" people do crazy dangerous stuff with no basic knowledge of what they are working on... Sir do you have a volt meter? Do you know how to use it? lol, did you say you were a certified installer? oh Homeowner, ok well it's not "warranty" it is a major installation failure. Well said video but many folks should not touch a thing BECAUSE THEY WILL NOT take the time to understand a system completely. Electrical fires in RV's are very common, everyone is an expert until it burns down the coach and maybe kills a loved one. SOLAR DIY is a great example.
The RV Odd Couple video I watched that prompted me to make this video is here: ruclips.net/video/Ikake7XDqfQ/видео.html You can't be prepared for every single thing that might happen. That would be impossible. But.....by taking the proper steps that I have covered over the past 2 or 3 years, you can certainly be prepared for the most common things that can happen and emergencies. By doing proper PM-and checking the RV often-you can eliminate a lot of bad things from happening in the first place. ruclips.net/user/RVstreetplaylists If you want to get better prepared with the stuff I have onboard or better equip your RV, please don't forget to check out our Amazon Store and book mark it to use every time you need anything on Amazon. It's a great way to say thank you for taking the time to make these videos and helping the RV community. www.amazon.com/shop/rvstreet I have on my list to do a video on critical spare parts that I carry and that RVer's in general should have with them. So look for that in the future. But I have done a 3 part series already that covers some of what every RVer should do and have with them at all times. Part 1 - ruclips.net/video/U9nb40m9-IY/видео.html Part 2 - ruclips.net/video/2kCXRbvtoYA/видео.html Part 3 - ruclips.net/video/14Zo8Vkvh5o/видео.html *And lastly….* Lynette made a good comment below so I thought I’d share that with you in case you missed it She said... Some RUclips videos from other folks show us how NOT to do repairs and maintenance! Thank you for giving us good information so we can spot the ones who are misguided. *My reply….* Lynette you are so right about that. Thank you for saying that so I can elaborate for others. That's what I was saying about acquiring a body of knowledge. Watching videos on YT, reading blogs, RV forums, FB and other online sources are good places to gather information, learn and build a *body of knowledge*. But like you said, you have to use discernment and pick through the bones to get a little meat. One thing I've noticed that happens a lot on YT is many folks don't take the time to read the comments or go to the description text below each video. Not just on my channel but others as well. That's where a lot of additional questions are answered and the community adds-many times-helpful insight and additional tips and cautions. If folks just watch a video and then move on to something else they missed out on a lot of other good information below. I'd like to encourage folks to chase knowledge. Dig deeper and go further than the first layer.
You made some excellent points. I ran into a problem with my truck recently. The check engine light came on which always means it’s gonna cost me $1000 to make it go off. I checked the code to see if it was something I could take of myself. It was a DEF heater issue. Well, I’m not in a position to remove my DEF tank and replace the heater so I call a shop. It’s an older truck so I don’t go to the dealer anymore. The shop confirmed my diagnosis but tells me he can’t find a heater. The dealers don’t want to sell him the parts they have because they won’t have any for their shops. The truck has been there for 5 days now. He finally found a place willing to sell him the part so hopefully I will get the truck back today. You can try to be as prepared as possible but sometimes you need to rely on other people.
Thanks Warren 👍 Well your right. You can't be prepared for every single thing that might happen. That would be impossible. But.....by taking the proper steps that I have covered over the past 2 or 3 years, you can certainly be prepared for the most common things that can happen and by doing proper PM and checking the RV often you can eliminate a lot of them from happening in the first place.
I watched this last week without comment - Watched again this week. Excellent information as usual. Something else to consider when deciding what to RV to buy is to have an RV that is easier to maintain. I had a pull behind, and when I decided to buy a motorhome, I started looking at and researching a diesel pusher. When considering all the pros and cons, I ended up buying a 20 year old class A Ford F53 chassis lightly used with good bones, without a slide. I camp alone and do not need or want a slide, I see it as as potential trouble. While I consider diesel pushers great, they are more expensive to maintain, are much more difficult to maintain, and there are fewer places to get help if help is needed. This old Ford is simpler, there are a lot of Ford parts available, and if help is needed a Ford truck dealer is likely able to help, or provide spare parts. I am pretty well prepared for dealing with emergencies., I have tools and many must have spare parts. I keep gas and propane at at least 50 percent and have enough food and water to last a while.
Martin, thank you for all the good information and advice on what we all need to get ready for, stay safe, stay warm, 20 to 25 below 0 tomorrow here in the north east. I will check out your list of videos, again, THANK YOU.
I carry a fuel filter, fuel pump, spark plug, oil and air filter for my generator and can install all myself. I carry a spare tire, tools to change it, a triangle set, safety vests and can do myself. I carry much more food than we expect to need. I keep my water tank full and safe for drinking. I'll be getting a spare water pump and certain parts for the furnace and water heater. Refer parts are new. I keep my propane topped off and I carry a 20 lb spare. I keep the gas tank topped off when I can. I'm adding a 6 gallon gasoline tank that will be connected to the generator along with the vehicle tank. This gasoline could be put in the vehicle tank if needed. I'm considering tire chains although they are heavy. We carry winter gear everywhere. I carry fuses for the vehicle and coach. I carry an electric heater and a propane torch along with enough tools. I turn the water and/or the pump off when I leave and at night. I carry the water system blow out fitting in case of unavoidable freezing. I do all my own vehicle maintenance and repairs. I keep engine oil and filters at home. I guess I can throw a filter in in case I need to pay to have it done but I don't carry the things to do an oil change. I carry 1 quart for the engine. We don't usually travel more than 3,000 miles at a time. I now use the higher end Wix which is available at nationwide parts stores. In a pinch, there's always a Amsoil dealer nearby. The coach and truck batteries are fresh Interstates. During periods of not being used, I drive it monthly 30 miles, when the roads are clean and dry, with the generator running under half load and the furnace. I have no plans to invest in solar. Good video. You are right, most people NEVER plan for the unexpected. I have always criticized people in the path of a hurricane, snow storm etc. that rush out at the last minute to by plywood, snow blowers, shovels and generators. What the hell did they do with all that stuff from the last time?
Now that's what I'm talking about. Great job. Now you do have what a lot of us FTer's don't have and that's a house to go back to, so we have to carry everything with us. Good comment 👍
I've missed ya Martin. Binge watching tonight to catch up. Expecting a DIY video and hearing when a woman is prepared to have a baby and you wearing those big rubber gloves, was kinda scary. LOL, take care
Ya sometimes I like to mix it some to make it interesting. Wait till you see my black tank and sewer hose video coming out in few weeks. You'll probably start laughing so hard you'll cry. 😂
Why don't you do a video about fixing His Shower,. I gotta say I see people all the time who have NEW rigs who use the camp ground shower. Its as annoying as hell because I hate waiting on them. I took my Shower out. I dont live in it I just use it for occasional trips.
Hello Martin, I have been trying to purchase a product you recommended which is Thetford 32778 RV Slide Out Rubber Seal Conditioner. I found one location that has it backordered and maybe it will come in 2 weeks. I did find the Thetford 26736 Slide Out Rubber Seal Conditioner and it too is backordered. I can't find the difference between these 2 products. What do you recommend for Rubber Conditioning that I can get?
you would be proud of me and the wife. we did all of our upgrades to our motorhome ourselves. all but the front end alignment. local ford dealer wanted $1k to install rear centramatic rings and rear super steer. thanks for the new video and all you do for us all!
I could not agree with you more than being prepared. Like yourself, I learned some those same skills in the service but also through my parents and grandparents. Thank You!
Thank you so much for this video!! I'm dealing with osolating water pump. It will not shut off unless I physically turn off water pump switch. Is this a water pump going bad or holes in water lines or those plastic hose connectors going bad to not allow constant pressure in lines?
That's a video all into itself which I plan to do in the future. But in a nut shell, if the pump is pulsating-coming on and then off again-say every minute or two, or for a short little burst, there's only 3 things that can cause this: 1) Bad check valve in the pump 2) A small water leak somewhere in the RV 3) A defective main diverter valve. This is the water valve (usually in the wet bay) where you manually switch from Normal or Fill.
Martin, Love all your videos. I now manually level my 2012 Winnebago vista exclusively. I have a question. In one of your videos you showed how you upgraded Joanie’s closet by installing shelving. I did the same but I can’t seem to find something solid to drill into. I contacted Winnebago and got a diagram of the wall but didn’t help. I’m wondering-how did you attach yours. Bruce
Hi Bruce I attached 1" x 2"s along the side walls of the wardrobe with adhesive and that allowed me to set the shelves onto. Two 1" x 2"s for each shelf.
I’m french Canadian and recreationnal RVer. i love your channel, the easy understanding informations and advises, it’s a great source of informations. And for this video i love your way of thinking, it’s always winner to be proactive and far-sighted. 👍
INFORMATIVE! THANK YOU! I am quietly learning that the only real way to manage "the insanity" of the country today is EXIT THE SYSTEM. Rules? Changing every four hours? Stop here, "papers please", and "mandates" that aren't rules? Inflation? "Can't come in without a..." EXIT THE SYSTEM. "no, you can't have my money, time or attention. I'll go find some like minded people and we will all be fine. Thanks Martin and Joanie!
great message Martin - I always learn something from your videos. I have quite a long way to go towards mastering our Class C 24 footer. My skill set is probably C- but you eat the elephant one bite at a time. enjoy and build on your successes. Thanks for the motivational encouragement. A fellow Texan but not a native.
Thank you Steve for taking the time to share and comment. You'll get there, just stay focused and refrain from getting overwhelmed. Took me 18 months to get our rig ready for full time living.👍
Awsome vid ! Growing up on a farm , one thing i learned when i was young when i thought i was prepaired i wasnt ! Lol .just Well prepaired enough to make something work for now till i get what i need. Thinking getting on the road this sumer . Hope we see you guys somewhere . We are getting to know our rv now . Im well diverse in fixing just about anything . Just worried a bit about finding work ! Cold weather living tip foam around your doors, and windows make sure you use window and door spray foam keep in mind it should be flexalbe to flex with your rv . Im in heating and air con. Bus Somthing to keep in mind a 1" round hole in the winter is like having a 6" round hole in the summer . This is because the temp swing in the winter from 70° inside rv to - 20° out side rv is 90° temp swing . verse 70°in rv in the sumer, to 100° out side rv is only a 30° swing . Now keep in mind you could have a -40° wind chil . Your rv may not be able to retain the heat at wind chil. One way to over come is to have multipal heat soucers keeping amprage in mind . At -4° when we started our work my rv furnace was on for 15 min and off 15min . Still working on things the rv. furnace is now on for 10min , off for 20min . Still have some thing to do . going to have three sources of heat soon . All dc hopfull my calculations that my ac to dc inverter charger still will be able to run it . Still finding ways to keep lp tanks from freezing i habe some ideas want to make it all self contained so i can use what i have on the rv , without any addtions. Hope this helps your veiwers ! Love your channel
Way to go Kent. Don't know if you've seen this video or not, but here's what I did to improve to keep heat in and make it easier to cool in the summer. Doing these things had made all the difference in the world in our RV. ruclips.net/video/yqZjE4aEoek/видео.html
How many spare parts are you going to carry along, besides all the tools it will get very heavy, you better make sure you are not over your weight limits folks. We have a friend who is an accident investigator and he told us if your RV is overweight and you get in any kind of accident you will be in big trouble . Martin good advise as always
Hi Martin, great video and I agree with ALMOST everything you had to offer. The only exception I personally have is your reference to the RV Odd Couple as any credible source of information. It's not that they don't offer s ok me good thoughts, they do. I'm not a fan because it seems their hook to draw someone in is phony. They always try to give the impression with their cover photo that they are mad or upset about something or they found themselves in trouble. Then they try to soften it up in the meat of the video. I used to be a subscriber but no longer as they are so predictable. Always a scowled look on their face on their cover photo making you think they are really upset about something only to soft shoe their content. You on the other hand provide good honest information without demonstrating a false hook to get things going. For example I assume you have seen the one where they are "being arrested" ? I get it, they are trying to "hook" us into believing they are some law breakers and they got busted. The information they put out was mostly valid but you have put out the same information and you didn't rely on silliness to convey your message. You may not agree but I guess that's what makes this country we fought for so great. You don't have to. Love your channel mate. Keep up the great work.
I just happened to stumble across this one video of theirs and wanted to elaborate on one of their comments they made about taking care of RV's going forward. Thanks Chief for your kind words and coming along with us. It means a lot. 👍
@@RVstreet my wife and I were in Riviera down by Corpus last week. Was hoping to stumble upon you guys down on the RGV somewhere but even if we did I would completely respect your privacy and keep our distance. You guys are great Martin. God bless you. Be safe and stay warm.
Well I do have on my list to do a video on critical spare parts that I carry and RVer's in general should have with them but not specifically DP's. My audience is broad in nature.
Yes I agree, My 30’er is ready to go! ALWAYS! I full time live in it and I constantly maintain everything, as I can on my own. You and Joni are so valued as a RUclips RV friends! Also you are every RV garage nightmare BC they want the business and you are keeping that away from them. Good luck! In 2022 and I hope more patrons to your channel!! Happy Trails
Well put Martin, you made me realize how much I need to do while my 5th wheel is parked beside the house & that now is the time to get things done before i get ready for spring vacation. Always learn something from you guys. Thanks for posting so much information for the RV community
That’s crazy. I’ve been a prepper when we were called “survivalists”, so I’ve been ready to go, if needs be since before we bought out first used 15’ Komfort Lite. That thing was little, but very much good to go. First thing I did was upgraded from the single propane tank to a double set up. Then from the single 12v battery to a duel 6v setup, then added a 15w solar panel that actually really kicked a$$ considering LEDs weren’t even conceived yet. From there we upgraded to 20’, then another, now I have a 27’. All have been ready to go, including a full water tank as well as 4 extra 5 gallon jugs with a cut off hose attachment to be able to refill the tank, on top of food and medical supplies that are stored in it. I am having an issue with the electrical in the bedroom area, keeps popping fuses. The heater motor went out this last season, and the motor should be here in the next week. I’m divorced now so I don’t really need that particular trailer. I think I’m going to finish it up and sell it after I finish the build I’m doing now. I am purposely building this in a way that it will pretty much be completely off the grid except a constant water source. It’s taken A LOT of RUclips videos and online looking, but everything will be a fairly inexpensive and easily sourced parts, right down to the inverter. Solar, wood stove, LEDs to sip at my power, the toilet is still kinda up in the air, but I am leaning to a composting or composting type toilet. Biggest issue is materials, but when it’s done, it’ll have an spare charge controller, inverter, on top of the little stuff for it and whatever vehicle is towing it. Being a backpacker it will be carrying that gear with resupply which includes a stove and back country hunting/survival gear. If you have an RV TREAT IT LIKE A SECOND HOME because it might be for a while should something go down.
@@RVstreet oh yeah. And in my opinion you’re never really done. Things change. I’m divorced and over 50 now, so I can downsize comfortably and still have everything I need and then some. Always a work in progress. Improvise, Adapt, and Overcome.
Very good subject Martin!!
Made me think
I've been watching RV living RUclips videos since I bought my first rig in 2019. I just discovered you day before yesterday! I've been binge watching your channel ever since. I'm about to embark on my very first solo adventure from NY to NC to visit my children. I am so grateful that I found you!
Thanks for your knowledge n guidance.
Coleman here, thanks for bringing these topics to my attention. I'm now beginning to address every topic you discussed with my preparedness and maintaining our RV.
Thank you Martin 😊
I recently found & subscribed to your Channel & you are quickly becoming one of my favorites...I'm an almost 70 yr old woman ("Surviving Spouse" since '81). You seem so easy to talk to & understanding that I almost told you my life story ( well, the last 4 yrs, since I've lived in an old 5th Wheel!). It's been really tough, but I'm not a quitter > been preparing and doing everything on my own all my life, but now I'm about worn out & broken-down. I don't know if I can pass muster repairing/maintaining my "home on wheels", but your content is a blessed help, so thank you. ps: prayers for you & your wife Joni ( hope to see her on a video someday, too > she's blessed to have such a good husband & must be quite a special lady! Thank you both!
Thank You Martin, you are such a blessing in my life, you have taught me how to do a lot of things myself. I am a beyond grateful for you and Joanie
I just discovered you last week. I have been using you tube for awhile to learn how to work on my rv. It has been an awesome experience. You are now in my top 3 channels. Thank you for your time.
Love the gloves
Excellent episode.
At 70 years old my wife finally talked me into buying an RV. I am normally an artist and working on paintings but am able to fix almost everything.
I knew when we purchased a used, older RV, it would involve a learning curve, I just didn't know how sweeping that curve would be. It has taken all of my time and the paintings have been placed on the back burner.
After doing a lot of remodeling and rebuilding (wood rot) our 20 footer is really taken on a new life.
This vid has opened up a new door for me to work on which is preparing and planning ahead and knowing, in more detail, how this little monster of ours works. Thank you for your vids, they are very helpful and we plan on using your Amazon store.
Thank you Vernon so much 🙏
Nothing but straight talk on this channel. Great video and topic.
I posted the above before watching the while video. Long story short, I feel like I have a lot of work to do. I'm mechanically inclined and you've given me a few scenarios to solve for. Glad I subbed.
Thank you John. Glad to have you aboard 👏
Go here to see a lot more of what I'm talking about to take care of your RV: ruclips.net/user/RVstreetplaylists
Agreed Agreed Agreed....I've got a Class A Gas, thats where it starts. 24,000 lbs of responsibility that I live in full-time. So RUclips's RV service channels are a must for component manuals and service manuals the techs use to diagnose and repair problems. So far I've troubleshooted my Norco fridge, fixed, rewired the tail lights of my tow vehicle, enhanced/ stabilized the driveablity of this F53 chassis, downloaded the code and troubleshoot manual for the Onan generator and fixed an Over frequency issue (free$), so many for little things and I've only had this unit for 16 months. RV service centers are a Big Never and a traveling RV service tech is right next to that cause what I fixed a service tech would have charged me a ton of money. My tools I carry are specific to the equipment of this coach but there are a couple things I still need like a 500 ft/lb torque wrench for these 22.5" wheel lug nuts. Even though they don't give you a spare tire with these things you still have to check torque occasionally. So my bottom line is know what your dealing with and hew to fix it.
Well said.!! Hello from Florida.
I thimk of myself prepared always r9om for improvements.
Things were better a couple years ago 🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲
I keep a backup Magneto Stator and Rectifier with my Polaris Ranger SxS, w/ a backup battery ‘n battery isolator and all your typical emergency gear, traction pads, winch, battery starter, jumper cables, tire patch kit, tools, several radios, ACR plb, so if I’m out in the back country and something happens, I can deal with it. Love the videos, A+. “Prior, proper, planning, prevents, piss, poor, performance.” “Two is one, one is none.” Submariner Rule. I cannot stand not being able to do my own repairs. I love the video where you explain the crucial/critical items to have onboard your RV. After viewing your video I immediately purchased those items from your Amazon store. I have picked up so many nails, screws, bolts in my tires on my GMC Duramax and have averted catastrophe with a TPMS.
NICE. Thank you so much for book marking our Amazon Store and using it to support Joanie & I. It means a lot. More than you know 💗
Boy Scout leader here.
The Boy Scouts motto:”Be Prepared “.
Thanks Martin.
AMEN brother.
Martin you and I are alot alike. I fix everything that I can and for other people. I've been told I'm a parts man, but if you don't have them your stuck in a pickle. Love your videos and your channel!!!!
Knowledge is power! Socrates said "The only good is knowledge and the only evil is ignorance." My father always told me that the day I stop learning is the day I die. Having never married, I HAD to learn how to do things for my self. I'm still learning how to repair things in my rig and do all the maintenance. All the DIY videos on RUclips are invaluable to this Class C owner. Thank you for the quality content you produce.
very true my man thnks for the tips
Nice video to give us food for thought. Last year, entered a nice rural state park in NC with less than 1/2 on MH. Colonial pipeline happened. Luckily bought two gas cans, different stores and got 35 gallons driving to stations. We reacted late, but not too late. If not we couldn’t make our next destination. I hated that uncertainty for a week. I try to enter my destination with a full tank. It went downhill fast in NC.
Big black gloves.
A lot of RV'ers especially New RV'ers think they must go to an RV dealer or repair facility for all repairs or parts. For the 5ers and towables, if you have troubles or need parts for the suspension, axles, most leveling jacks and such, one can go to any place that handles flat bed and gooseneck trailers to have repairs made or pick up parts. Most times you can get in sooner and be cheaper than at a RV dealer. Just saying, quite a few times, there is more than one source for parts or repairs.
Another great video. Thanks Martín for showing us how to do things. I just wish you had the same class c that I have.
Well most of the stuff I cover applies to a Class C too even though I have a Class A.
Martin, I have a good one for you which happened to me over 10 years ago. " What do you do when you loose the rearview mirror from either side (gets hit by something). No quick fix Unless you are lucky and it takes time to order and get the exact match. but I was able to manage it to stick it to its broken base as it had some crap laying around in my tool box, ( no tape would hold it to the body as the rear view mirrors are real heavy and roads are bumpy. Its very very dangerous to drive an RV without either side of rearview mirror.
I am currently refusing to take delivery on my first RV, a toy hauler, because one of the ramp door handles looked hard to open & lightly gouged during the Zoom walkthrough.
Probably a good call in light of your reported issues in parts & service time.
Thanks for inspiring me to stick to my guns of postponing or preventing a purchase that would ultimately destroy my unhealthy wrists.
I will try to buy through your AMZ program anyway because you are such a generous teacher.
Thank you Susan.
Additional thoughts:
Using a Zoom call for a walk thru is a bad idea. Sound like they are using a Zoom call to act as their (PDI - Pre-Delivery inspection). There is no way you can physically look and test all the systems to make sure everything is working properly. Once you take possession of the rig all bets are off to get anything fixed later on. A Zoom call may be OK for an initial determination that you want to proceed with the purchase BUT then you insist-in writing-to give them a Refundable deposit to hold the rig, but then you go to, fly to or whatever and get to the dealership, have them park them unit with full hookups, and actually stay in the RV for at least a day or two and test EVERYTHING. Then present them a list of what has to be fixed BEFORE you give them final payment or process papers to finalize the purchase. They have incentive now to fix everything to complete the sale. Once they say everything has been fixed....CHECK IT. If you don't do it this way-AGAIN-getting things fixed after purchase will be difficult at best.
Also, thank you for using my Amazon Store for whatever you need. It means more than you know 💕
@@RVstreet I have not signed anything electronically nor on paper, but did put $1k down on a credit card to hold it for me, presumably from other interested buyers.
I will not go any further with the sale. Too much money & WAY too many systems to go wrong.
Thanks for supporting me backing out of a bad way to do this kind of purchase.
I am so grateful to have found you & Joanie. ❤️
Great message regardless of what your home is, RV, boat, sticks & bricks. To many people think someone else will take care of them!
Better to have it an not need it than need it and not have it .... great suggestions ... now, action speaks louder than words .. .. always has always will.
When I grow up, I want to be like you.
💗
I had a young fella last year ask me if he could be my son. I told him yes, but he couldn't ask me for money 😭
@@RVstreet Wait till he crashes your car.
80-90% myself~~~ yayayayayaaaaa!!!! i'm a full timer
looking for your winterization tips for a mobile full timer
I probably will never do a winterization tips video because I too am a FTer and travel all the time. So I never need to winterize so wouldn't be able to demonstrate.
Excellent!
Well done video Martin. Thank you for helping us get our minds set for emergencies that will probably happen. I have watched several of your videos and am amazed at the instruction in them. I need to know what your recipe is for your sanitize bottle for spraying around your black water area. I know you use bleach but you said in one of your videos you have your own recipe. Will you share that with us? Thank you for all you are doing to help us newbies with our RV's. RVing for 3 months.
Self reliant. OK, then PPE. N95 masks, Soap&water, anti-bacterial hand sanitizer, etc, etc, etc, etc, and don't forget to wear than neon green or olde standby- orange safety vest when you step out onto the highway to check & change that flat tire.
This video is about becoming more knowledgable and self reliant on doing your own RV maintenance DIY. But thanks for watching 😝
The question about being prepared made me smile. I was full time during Y2K. Everyone was expecting everything was going to collapse. I felt like I was in pretty good shape. I still have a reliable RV and feel pretty confident.
Just have to ask, what's with the girley gloves?
LOL I had the no power problem last summer when I was in RI and hurricane Henri came ashore right over us. No power for over 36 hours. Then when power in the park came on the circut breaker at the campground pedestal would not stay latched. Had to get the campground to come change the 50 amp circuit breaker.
Girley gloves? Ok that's funny 😜 Thanks for that.
You must be new watching my channel.
@@RVstreet Just a honest question. I do wearer gloves when doing some dirty work but I didn't know making videos was that bad.
@@WILDEBILL308 It's all good my friend. Honest question or not. Wearing my mechanic's gloves and my bandana is part of who I am on my channel. But your Girley gloves comment still made me laugh. For me, as you get older, letting little things get under you skin is just not worth it. Hope you stick around. 👍
What do you recommend for electrical gloves.
Martin I just want to say that I really appreciate your time and effort in putting these videos together. We are new to your channel and just recently subscribed. All of the videos I have seen are very well explained and easily understandable. You and Joanie are “blessings” to us RVers. I have learned so much and continue to look forward to more.
Just subscribed. First time I have visited this site and realized there still are people with common sense. Great info!
Let's face it some people just don't have any business owning a RV without the quick access and support we use to have. Watching your videos and a lot of research hopefully will keep someone from making a mistake owning something beyond their abilities. Freightliner just charged over $11,000 to rebuild a DEF system and reprogram the onboard computers on a friend's RV and took over 3 weeks. Owning a large RV may be a thing of the past for some of us.
I think your exactly right going forward. This was the main reason I didn't buy a DP and bought a gas coach instead. I mean, I have an emergency fund but being retired, I just don't have that kinda cash laying around for something that may pop up. I know of a fella that over heated his gas rig in Arizona a couple of years ago and trashed his V10. He had the whole engine replaced for $5,600 and it took 2 weeks.
Good video
What if …it’s real we try to prepare even more at home & on the road & for our camper( until things gets better) or better yet we need to be prepared & just make it a part of all our everyday life…yeap learn to be smarter learning & doing is important good info ✔️
martin maybe you should make a spread sheet of the parts and things we should have on hand
Thank you for the great INFO! People hopefully will listen and make a list! ThomyT
Thank you for all your videos 😊
Yup i went to walmart on sunday to get the oil filter/ motocraft oil 05w 20 and they didnt have it i end up switching brand for the meantime
FYI - if you have the same V10 engine as I do you really need to be using a MotorCraft Oil Filter, FL820S
The "S" stands for silicone anti-drain back valve
I carry that filter in my Amazon Store in the "Tires, Engine and Chassis Care" category
www.amazon.com/shop/rvstreet
It's more expensive than Walmart but you get it delivered to your door 👍
As always great video you always get me off the couch and get busy
Great video. Good thing I have watched most of your videos, I did pretty good on the test!
Thank you
Then you get an "A". Good job Bob 👍
Question: Did you do my homework assignment?
@@RVstreet I guess that moves me to a C. 😂. Was the home work on this video?
@@bobelder18 yes it was.
@@RVstreet I went back and watched. To the end. And yes, I have note books of items. I have put all the tools I think I will need. I inspect my rv every time we stop. The list of things I need are growing from the original video I watched of you yours about how to make the outside look new again. So I will say, the home work never ends thanks to what you have instilled in me about every life. I have the spares started, and will have them with me always.
All because of someone like you that helps us be better at enjoying the RV.
👍
@@bobelder18 😎 🙏
Excellent video packed with vital information.
Martin we live in a country were over 50% expects the government to take care of them and another 25% hope the government will help them out if they need it. RVers not much different most go to the shop or call someone. Some don't have their health, some prefer to just pay someone. I like you, while I can I prefer doing it myself. Thanks to your channel I'm better prepared to do that. Just in the last month or so, I replaced my converter, the fabric on slide toppers, installed a fan inside the fridge and cleaned the drain tube, and still have several projects to work on. There is no way a guy can be bored living in a RV always somethng to do.
Not sure when I subscribed. Can I do any of this: no. But, I have one tiny advantage: I don't yet own an RV. This does not mean I cannot learn beforehand, which is why I'm here.
After looking at your YT page I would say your quite the talented lady. Learning how RV's work and how to take care of at least the basics to start off with-if you ever get one in the future-I would say you certainly can. Glad to have you aboard 👍
Thanks! Im a senior disabled lady. I know how to do some things but not sure I can any more. I need to see, for instance, if I can still maneuver under my RV and check the genset oil. Wait! No... I need to see if I can push the gen door back up and secure it and get out from under the RV on my own! Lol
😂 LOL 😂
Martin in September we bought a Tiffin Allegro 2003 motorcoach so I could take my disabled husband to Texas to see his grandson get married. If I had known about you & your videos before, I wouldn't have bought this RV. But we did. There is soooo much that needs martinize. There is rust everywhere! One of the hydraulic levels won't work & we are on a waiting list to have it fixed. Furnace won't work. I have bought controller board, limit switch & igniter to fix it myself. I feel overwhelmed because there is so much to do & I only have one day a week to work on it. I have a full time job & not only do I take care of my husband & 4 cats but I help my sister one day a week with my mother. I love the RV no matter how much work there has to be done. But after watching your videos I feel like I can do it. One project at a time. It took me forever to find the hot water heater bypass valve so I could sanitize my water system. I have all my manuals but in this case the manual said there was a bypass valve but didn't say where. Thanks to you I got an endoscopy & found it. I got a long ways to go but I am going to do it as time & money allows. You will never know how much your videos have helped. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Mat the Good Love bless you & Joanie!
Ya, don't get overwhelmed but I understand how easy it is to get that way with a schedule like yours. Like you said, "One project at a time." I'm so impressed with you CAN DO attitude. By the time you knock out this punch list, you'll know your coach a whole lot more. You'll get there.
Love your channel Martin I'm a retired truck driver and diesel tech and I live in my old 97 dodge grand caravan with 300,000 miles just put a new engine in it last year and I know my van like the back of my hand and people always ask why don't you buy a new van. ??? And I'm like why nothing is wrong with this one. I never break down because I stay on top of preventive maintenance. Very important hope people listen to you. Keep up the good work man
How can I raise the two beds MANUALLY , on my 2008 weekend warrior superlite rv/toy hauler ? As , I want to make this section , for a office . Thank You : )
Hi Gary,
Gee I have no idea. I'd have to be there and take a look at your set up to come up with a plan. But I KNOW you'll figure it out and get er done 👍 🔧
13:00 I saw a video withj Campervan Kevin where he was having a guy insall a ball valve in his toilet line for just that reason!
Yep that's the answer. One of the first things I did back in 2016 when I bought our RV.
I just left a message to happy ever hanks channel, because they had,have water problems. The following is what I said to them-----My wife and I watch a lot of rv channels because we plan, before the year is out to buy one. So the best Place to go to learn how to fix things, water hose connections , is RV street.
👍 😍 👍 😍 👍 😍 👍 😍
Absolutely right about being prepared!! You never know when but having tools, materials and a little knowledge can really save you. I was setting up one day deploying the bedroom slide when I heard a noise you never want to hear. The rear slide topper bracket had pulled out of the sidewall and the topper was trying to retract over the slide roof. The sinking feeling of what have I done moved to what can I do. Out with the tool box and bin of screws, brackets and aluminum plate that I always carry. These RV's have so little structure in the walls I had to fabricate 2 backing plates and bolt the brackets right through the slide out wall. Stainless steel bolts, lock nuts, sealant and plate all on hand and job done and still working fine years later!
Wait till fuel prices go up to over ten dollars a gal. this summer.
Great video. Thanks for the motivation.
Being a heating contractor you wouldnt beleive how many people are not ready for no heat . I dont want to scare anyone but there is a parts shortage in my trade to.
I 2nd that 😰
Hi,
I own and live in a 2013 Montana 5th wheel. 2things that I find at fault, and no answers from mfg, or anyone else. Your help is appreciated. 1st, the rig has 2roof ac, living room is ducted, and bedroom non ducted. Both dometic. The front struggles to stay cool, but.. the bedroom works very good, but theres the issues. The ac blows directly onto the bed, and, as happens in the socal weather, we need the ac at night, we FREEZE. There are no louvers to redirect the wind.. thats no typo. The other issue is even worse. I can look up thro the ac cieling, and see daylight. It has been noted that theres nothng wrong with the nit, it was built that way, but even worse is that depending on season, either cold, or hot air radiates, or if windy, blows into the room! I am very tight.. rephrase, TIGHT with our funds, and need help sealing this issue and not wast money out the roof.
Well without being there to diagnose the issue properly here are my thoughts:
1) It's very important to clean your AC units every year so proper air flow is flowing thru. That could be your problem in the living room AC unit struggling to stay cool. I did a video on that: ruclips.net/video/oTo9xGqSeEI/видео.html
2) On the bedroom unit you need to get some 1/4" insulation board-@ HD-and some foil tape and fix those areas from the inside. You should NOT be seeing and day light from inside. Bad install. If you're freezing at night, close the bedroom doors, turn the AC unit fan to low and raise the T-stat some.
Hope this helps.
thx Lar 👍
@@RVstreet Thanks Martin. Ive been thru all of your vids, well done. I have a very good list of domestic engineering projects, weekly, monthly half year, and year end. The ac's get 2nd priority while spring. This year its been very unusually hot, and thats when I find the faults. Ill be insulating both units this week. Im going to be utilizing your 20a electrical ideas also. 1 more question, can I run a dogbone from my 50a service, 20a 14-3 to another dogbone to the coach?
we are at the fish or cut bait point of buying and going full time. After a year of research and thinking I have looked at every Class A known to have been manufactured I am amazed how many coaches have been just driven with no PM our upgrades. This sure makes it hard to get a unit that will have a extended life span without a major expense. Thank you for your efforts. lets just hope the horses led to water will start drinking. This is the "Scoundrel and the Duchess" wishing you both safe travels!
Question I have a Dodge it's fiberglass sides .I LIVE IN TEXAS 65 MOH WINDS Neighbors Who DONT.tie things down well something took roof off rv it was a thin wood with a fiber based cover over the thin wood how do you repair something like that please? Ripped off the AD JUST ABLE WINDOW VENT window too..THOSE RVS ARE TALL WAY UP THERE TO FIX.
Also tires they say r going to be hard to get..what is best way to park a motor home shore up ??How do you shore it up how, what, where. Do shores go on motor home to shore it up? To save tires and how is best way to protect tires to keep them from cracking? Roting.?
Sorry for all questions didn't figure on so much wind damage.. REALLY RUINS STUFF.:-( BAD
Does leaving gas in tank in case of emergencies bad to do..Dodge is a 1980 and only has 10,000 miles in engine. Thanks so Much you are truly right people who can repair CARS , RV'S EVEN HEATING UNITS ON HOME. RARE !!!
THEY DONT KNOW HOW ITS GETTING TO NE A LOST ART,YET TO GET ANYONE TO TEACH YOU LIKEE IN THE OLD DAYS EVEN TO BE A JOURNEYMAN WORK 4 FREE TO JUST LEARN SKILL..NO WAY THEY WILL TEACH YOU Now DAYS,,SO SOON WILL BE A TOTALLY LOST ART OF REPAIRING COOL THINGS.
THANK YOU FOR THANK YOU 4 TAKING THE TIME TO TEACH US.:-)
I read your post 3x's to try to understand exactly what you were asking me and I'm not sure I totally understand some of your questions. Sorry 😭 But I'll try my best. For example:
1) "Ripped off the *AD JUST ABLE WINDOW VENT window too."* Not sure what this means by the wording. But, performing roof maintenance often is an very important thing to do-like every 6 months-to prevent something like this from happening. You have to get up on the roof and inspect and perform roof PM items. How to fix your particular senario is impossible for me to comment on without looking at it closely and come up with a plan. With extensive damage each roof would have to be evaluated individually. Here's a video I did that shows you what I do to maintain my fiberglass roof: ruclips.net/video/H00oNtbvtrk/видео.html
2) Tires. Yes tires are getting hard to find and probably will continue in the near future at the very least. Here's a video I just did 3 months ago on how I addressed this problem and installed a new tires on my coach:
ruclips.net/video/zjVeal3qzb8/видео.html
Since most RV tires will age out before they wear out the tread, taking care of tires is also a very important PM item. For example: keeping the proper PSI in them according to your weight. Always have a TPMS and sensors on every tire including a tow vehicle if you have one. Exercise your tires often. Running your RV often down the highway heats up and cools your tires. This allows the tires to stay healthy. Tires that just sit for long periods of times is not good. They can also develop flat spots and the chemistry of the rubber will break down. I also apply 303 to the outside of my tires about once a month when traveling and then cover my tires with tire covers when not in use to protect them from the damaging effects of the sun. Having a 1980 Dodge with only 10,000 miles in engine is not good. That tells me it hasn't hardly ever been run or exercised and this is not good for the entire RV and especially all drive train components, fluids, and rubber parts in the engine bay. Watch this video about exercising: ruclips.net/video/NRF-0wbexdM/видео.html
3) *what is best way to park a motor home shore up ??How do you shore it up*
Not sure what "shore it up means" but I'll try. If your talking about just storing it for long periods of time....well first of all like I said above it should NOT sit for long periods of time in the first place. But between times of exercising and then you park it again, just park it on the tires. No need to use your leveling jacks. It also depends on what climate your in. If it's really cold your going to lose air pressure over time and could develop flat spots in the tires. So be sure to keep your tires inflated properly. Don't park on asphalt or concrete without putting something like a piece of plywood under all tires to prevent chemicals from the surface leaching into the tires. Don't park over grassy or wet ground because that cause an increased moisture under the RV and cause rust on the chassis and electrical components. There are more precautions to take depending on where you live. I suggest studying further for your situation.
4) *Does leaving gas in tank in case of emergencies bad to do.*
No as long as you put something like Sea Foam into the tank when you fill it up. One can/20 gallons of gas will keep gas fresh for at least a year. Once you add Sea Foam run the RV down the highway and also run your generator if you have one. This will insure all fuel systems are treated and will be ok.
It sounds like you are fairly new to owning an RV. You need to start making learning about all your systems and maintenance items a priority. I have a lot of videos that will show you the things you need to do to you RV all the time to keep it healthy, dependable and prevent bad things from happening in the first place here: ruclips.net/user/RVstreetplaylists
I also recommend you go to my home page, hit the subscribe button and don't forget to ring the bell off to the right and check All. That way you can start watching my new videos as I release them going forward.
Everything I've mentioned above and that I use and that you need to maintain your RV is in my Amazon Store: www.amazon.com/shop/rvstreet
Hope this helps 👍
Do the best to maintain on regular basis but then prepare for the worst as the rv repair shops do rip you off when you are on the road and broken down.
Right on Nader 👍
*Do the best to maintain on regular basis *
That's what my channel is all about.
If you're interested, here's my complete library of videos:
www.youtube.com/@RVstreet/playlists
My onboard generator croaked in my 2016 Thor axis. Was lucky to find a small generator shop that could fit me right in. But, at a cost. It was VERY labor intensive, removing and replacing the generator from the RV. Needed a new carburetor and starter. Wound up paying $1,700 dollars. Decided to buy a small backup generator for our next trip, we do a lot of boondocking. Thanks for another informative video! 😎
Hey Martin. In your three types of RVers (~7 min mark) I think you left out an important group; extended-time, such as “snowbirds”. These folks have a fixed/home base (not an RV) but live in their RV for months at a time, either in one place or moving around.
Thanks Bruce for taking the time to comment 👍
Yeah I didn't mention them by name nor did I mention Winter Texans which is what they call snow birds down here in RGV. But in my mind they're just like us. Living and traveling in their RV. But no matter how you use your RV were all important and face the same things taking care of the RV and being prepared.
I work for an rv service place. Thank you for speaking from your heart, I’m seeing first hand the gathering clouds!!!!! Our service place can’t keep up with all the unprepared and newbies, all the service places in town are drowning in the demand for service and supply issues (we at the West coast of Canada)
Lack of basic troubleshooting knowledge, preparedness is rampant!!!!
Speaking from an older rural new Englander, l don't recall my parents "teaching" us how to be prepared for the heavy winters of my youth andor the inability to get to towns away grocery stores, but we learned nevertheless by example. Having the large vegetable gardens and canning or how to even stretch out whole fresh tomatoes etc. Chickens for fresh eggs even on the smallest of properties, how to fix an en engine, how they basically work, how to find freshwater even under ice. Foraging in the woods, how sweet the blueberries are, l could go on forever. We don't get to do that so much anymore but now there's a lot more info except it's all connected to having power it seems. l support what you're saying 100% be prepared as the alternative is no fun and can even cost you a lot more than money.
Spoken like a true New Englander 😍 🙏
@@RVstreet you mean all the typos? 😁😎
Hey there Martin & Joanie! @RV Street, we're trying to figure out which video from the RV Odd Couple you are reacting to. Any chance you could link us to it? Thank you! Happy Weekend! xoxo Deb N Aaron (Dora and Smyt)
Read the first comment under the video 👍
I work in the electrical tech sector also doing "customer service tech calls" people do crazy dangerous stuff with no basic knowledge of what they are working on... Sir do you have a volt meter? Do you know how to use it? lol, did you say you were a certified installer? oh Homeowner, ok well it's not "warranty" it is a major installation failure.
Well said video but many folks should not touch a thing BECAUSE THEY WILL NOT take the time to understand a system completely.
Electrical fires in RV's are very common, everyone is an expert until it burns down the coach and maybe kills a loved one. SOLAR DIY is a great example.
Ya, I address these safety concerns in my companion video that I mentioned that will be coming out next.
The RV Odd Couple video I watched that prompted me to make this video is here:
ruclips.net/video/Ikake7XDqfQ/видео.html
You can't be prepared for every single thing that might happen. That would be impossible. But.....by taking the proper steps that I have covered over the past 2 or 3 years, you can certainly be prepared for the most common things that can happen and emergencies. By doing proper PM-and checking the RV often-you can eliminate a lot of bad things from happening in the first place.
ruclips.net/user/RVstreetplaylists
If you want to get better prepared with the stuff I have onboard or better equip your RV, please don't forget to check out our Amazon Store and book mark it to use every time you need anything on Amazon. It's a great way to say thank you for taking the time to make these videos and helping the RV community.
www.amazon.com/shop/rvstreet
I have on my list to do a video on critical spare parts that I carry and that RVer's in general should have with them. So look for that in the future. But I have done a 3 part series already that covers some of what every RVer should do and have with them at all times.
Part 1 - ruclips.net/video/U9nb40m9-IY/видео.html
Part 2 - ruclips.net/video/2kCXRbvtoYA/видео.html
Part 3 - ruclips.net/video/14Zo8Vkvh5o/видео.html
*And lastly….*
Lynette made a good comment below so I thought I’d share that with you in case you missed it
She said...
Some RUclips videos from other folks show us how NOT to do repairs and maintenance! Thank you for giving us good information so we can spot the ones who are misguided.
*My reply….*
Lynette you are so right about that. Thank you for saying that so I can elaborate for others.
That's what I was saying about acquiring a body of knowledge. Watching videos on YT, reading blogs, RV forums, FB and other online sources are good places to gather information, learn and build a *body of knowledge*. But like you said, you have to use discernment and pick through the bones to get a little meat. One thing I've noticed that happens a lot on YT is many folks don't take the time to read the comments or go to the description text below each video. Not just on my channel but others as well. That's where a lot of additional questions are answered and the community adds-many times-helpful insight and additional tips and cautions. If folks just watch a video and then move on to something else they missed out on a lot of other good information below. I'd like to encourage folks to chase knowledge. Dig deeper and go further than the first layer.
You made some excellent points. I ran into a problem with my truck recently. The check engine light came on which always means it’s gonna cost me $1000 to make it go off. I checked the code to see if it was something I could take of myself. It was a DEF heater issue. Well, I’m not in a position to remove my DEF tank and replace the heater so I call a shop. It’s an older truck so I don’t go to the dealer anymore. The shop confirmed my diagnosis but tells me he can’t find a heater. The dealers don’t want to sell him the parts they have because they won’t have any for their shops. The truck has been there for 5 days now. He finally found a place willing to sell him the part so hopefully I will get the truck back today. You can try to be as prepared as possible but sometimes you need to rely on other people.
Thanks Warren 👍
Well your right. You can't be prepared for every single thing that might happen. That would be impossible. But.....by taking the proper steps that I have covered over the past 2 or 3 years, you can certainly be prepared for the most common things that can happen and by doing proper PM and checking the RV often you can eliminate a lot of them from happening in the first place.
I watched this last week without comment - Watched again this week. Excellent information as usual. Something else to consider when deciding what to RV to buy is to have an RV that is easier to maintain. I had a pull behind, and when I decided to buy a motorhome, I started looking at and researching a diesel pusher. When considering all the pros and cons, I ended up buying a 20 year old class A Ford F53 chassis lightly used with good bones, without a slide. I camp alone and do not need or want a slide, I see it as as potential trouble. While I consider diesel pushers great, they are more expensive to maintain, are much more difficult to maintain, and there are fewer places to get help if help is needed. This old Ford is simpler, there are a lot of Ford parts available, and if help is needed a Ford truck dealer is likely able to help, or provide spare parts. I am pretty well prepared for dealing with emergencies., I have tools and many must have spare parts. I keep gas and propane at at least 50 percent and have enough food and water to last a while.
Martin, thank you for all the good information and advice on what we all need to get ready for, stay safe, stay warm, 20 to 25 below 0 tomorrow here in the north east. I will check out your list of videos, again, THANK YOU.
Thank you Ed for watching and staying engaged here in the comments. 👍
I carry a fuel filter, fuel pump, spark plug, oil and air filter for my generator and can install all myself.
I carry a spare tire, tools to change it, a triangle set, safety vests and can do myself.
I carry much more food than we expect to need.
I keep my water tank full and safe for drinking.
I'll be getting a spare water pump and certain parts for the furnace and water heater. Refer parts are new.
I keep my propane topped off and I carry a 20 lb spare.
I keep the gas tank topped off when I can.
I'm adding a 6 gallon gasoline tank that will be connected to the generator along with the vehicle tank. This gasoline could be put in the vehicle tank if needed.
I'm considering tire chains although they are heavy.
We carry winter gear everywhere.
I carry fuses for the vehicle and coach.
I carry an electric heater and a propane torch along with enough tools.
I turn the water and/or the pump off when I leave and at night.
I carry the water system blow out fitting in case of unavoidable freezing.
I do all my own vehicle maintenance and repairs.
I keep engine oil and filters at home. I guess I can throw a filter in in case I need to pay to have it done but I don't carry the things to do an oil change. I carry 1 quart for the engine. We don't usually travel more than 3,000 miles at a time. I now use the higher end Wix which is available at nationwide parts stores. In a pinch, there's always a Amsoil dealer nearby.
The coach and truck batteries are fresh Interstates.
During periods of not being used, I drive it monthly 30 miles, when the roads are clean and dry, with the generator running under half load and the furnace.
I have no plans to invest in solar.
Good video. You are right, most people NEVER plan for the unexpected. I have always criticized people in the path of a hurricane, snow storm etc. that rush out at the last minute to by plywood, snow blowers, shovels and generators. What the hell did they do with all that stuff from the last time?
Now that's what I'm talking about. Great job. Now you do have what a lot of us FTer's don't have and that's a house to go back to, so we have to carry everything with us.
Good comment 👍
I enjoy your approach to subject matter on RVing! Once I found your channel, I started watching from the beginning.
Glad I watched the whole video, the pregnant lady intro had me wondering how you'd suggest we Martinize that situation.
I've missed ya Martin. Binge watching tonight to catch up. Expecting a DIY video and hearing when a woman is prepared to have a baby and you wearing those big rubber gloves, was kinda scary. LOL, take care
Ya sometimes I like to mix it some to make it interesting. Wait till you see my black tank and sewer hose video coming out in few weeks. You'll probably start laughing so hard you'll cry. 😂
Why don't you do a video about fixing His Shower,. I gotta say I see people all the time who have NEW rigs who use the camp ground shower. Its as annoying as hell because I hate waiting on them. I took my Shower out. I dont live in it I just use it for occasional trips.
Hello Martin, I have been trying to purchase a product you recommended which is Thetford 32778 RV Slide Out Rubber Seal Conditioner. I found one location that has it backordered and maybe it will come in 2 weeks. I did find the Thetford 26736 Slide Out Rubber Seal Conditioner and it too is backordered. I can't find the difference between these 2 products. What do you recommend for Rubber Conditioning that I can get?
I've been watching your u tube for about two years every time it comes on and I've learned a lot.
you would be proud of me and the wife. we did all of our upgrades to our motorhome ourselves. all but the front end alignment. local ford dealer wanted $1k to install rear centramatic rings and rear super steer. thanks for the new video and all you do for us all!
I could not agree with you more than being prepared. Like yourself, I learned some those same skills in the service but also through my parents and grandparents. Thank You!
Thank you so much for this video!! I'm dealing with osolating water pump. It will not shut off unless I physically turn off water pump switch. Is this a water pump going bad or holes in water lines or those plastic hose connectors going bad to not allow constant pressure in lines?
That's a video all into itself which I plan to do in the future. But in a nut shell, if the pump is pulsating-coming on and then off again-say every minute or two, or for a short little burst, there's only 3 things that can cause this:
1) Bad check valve in the pump
2) A small water leak somewhere in the RV
3) A defective main diverter valve. This is the water valve (usually in the wet bay) where you manually switch from Normal or Fill.
Martin,
Love all your videos. I now manually level my 2012 Winnebago vista exclusively.
I have a question. In one of your videos you showed how you upgraded Joanie’s closet by installing shelving. I did the same but I can’t seem to find something solid to drill into. I contacted Winnebago and got a diagram of the wall but didn’t help.
I’m wondering-how did you attach yours.
Bruce
Hi Bruce
I attached 1" x 2"s along the side walls of the wardrobe with adhesive and that allowed me to set the shelves onto. Two 1" x 2"s for each shelf.
I’m french Canadian and recreationnal RVer.
i love your channel, the easy understanding informations and advises, it’s a great source of informations.
And for this video i love your way of thinking, it’s always winner to be proactive and far-sighted. 👍
INFORMATIVE! THANK YOU! I am quietly learning that the only real way to manage "the insanity" of the country today is EXIT THE SYSTEM.
Rules? Changing every four hours? Stop here, "papers please", and "mandates" that aren't rules? Inflation? "Can't come in without a..."
EXIT THE SYSTEM.
"no, you can't have my money, time or attention. I'll go find some like minded people and we will all be fine.
Thanks Martin and Joanie!
great message Martin - I always learn something from your videos. I have quite a long way to go towards mastering our Class C 24 footer. My skill set is probably C- but you eat the elephant one bite at a time. enjoy and build on your successes. Thanks for the motivational encouragement. A fellow Texan but not a native.
Thank you Steve for taking the time to share and comment. You'll get there, just stay focused and refrain from getting overwhelmed. Took me 18 months to get our rig ready for full time living.👍
Awsome vid ! Growing up on a farm , one thing i learned when i was young when i thought i was prepaired i wasnt ! Lol .just Well prepaired enough to make something work for now till i get what i need. Thinking getting on the road this sumer . Hope we see you guys somewhere . We are getting to know our rv now . Im well diverse in fixing just about anything . Just worried a bit about finding work !
Cold weather living tip foam around your doors, and windows make sure you use window and door spray foam keep in mind it should be flexalbe to flex with your rv . Im in heating and air con. Bus
Somthing to keep in mind a 1" round hole in the winter is like having a 6" round hole in the summer . This is because the temp swing in the winter from 70° inside rv to - 20° out side rv is 90° temp swing . verse 70°in rv in the sumer, to 100° out side rv is only a 30° swing . Now keep in mind you could have a -40° wind chil . Your rv may not be able to retain the heat at wind chil. One way to over come is to have multipal heat soucers keeping amprage in mind .
At -4° when we started our work my rv furnace was on for 15 min and off 15min . Still working on things the rv. furnace is now on for 10min , off for 20min . Still have some thing to do . going to have three sources of heat soon . All dc hopfull my calculations that my ac to dc inverter charger still will be able to run it . Still finding ways to keep lp tanks from freezing i habe some ideas want to make it all self contained so i can use what i have on the rv , without any addtions. Hope this helps your veiwers ! Love your channel
Way to go Kent. Don't know if you've seen this video or not, but here's what I did to improve to keep heat in and make it easier to cool in the summer. Doing these things had made all the difference in the world in our RV.
ruclips.net/video/yqZjE4aEoek/видео.html
Another great video Martin! Which video where you referring too on the RV Odd Couple channel? Thank you!
ruclips.net/video/Ikake7XDqfQ/видео.html
Thanks Martin!
How many spare parts are you going to carry along, besides all the tools it will get very heavy, you better make sure you are not over your weight limits folks.
We have a friend who is an accident investigator and he told us if your RV is overweight and you get in any kind of accident you will be in big trouble .
Martin good advise as always
7:00 - what's your take on univeral parts?
Hi Martin, great video and I agree with ALMOST everything you had to offer. The only exception I personally have is your reference to the RV Odd Couple as any credible source of information. It's not that they don't offer s ok me good thoughts, they do. I'm not a fan because it seems their hook to draw someone in is phony. They always try to give the impression with their cover photo that they are mad or upset about something or they found themselves in trouble. Then they try to soften it up in the meat of the video. I used to be a subscriber but no longer as they are so predictable. Always a scowled look on their face on their cover photo making you think they are really upset about something only to soft shoe their content. You on the other hand provide good honest information without demonstrating a false hook to get things going. For example I assume you have seen the one where they are "being arrested" ? I get it, they are trying to "hook" us into believing they are some law breakers and they got busted. The information they put out was mostly valid but you have put out the same information and you didn't rely on silliness to convey your message. You may not agree but I guess that's what makes this country we fought for so great. You don't have to. Love your channel mate. Keep up the great work.
I just happened to stumble across this one video of theirs and wanted to elaborate on one of their comments they made about taking care of RV's going forward.
Thanks Chief for your kind words and coming along with us. It means a lot. 👍
@@RVstreet my wife and I were in Riviera down by Corpus last week. Was hoping to stumble upon you guys down on the RGV somewhere but even if we did I would completely respect your privacy and keep our distance. You guys are great Martin. God bless you. Be safe and stay warm.
@@chief7839 If you ever do see us or run into us feel free to say hello. We love meeting people and our fans. 🙏
Martin, How about a recommended spare parts list for a class A Diesel pusher?
Well I do have on my list to do a video on critical spare parts that I carry and RVer's in general should have with them but not specifically DP's. My audience is broad in nature.
Yes I agree, My 30’er is ready to go! ALWAYS! I full time live in it and I constantly maintain everything, as I can on my own. You and Joni are so valued as a RUclips RV friends! Also you are every RV garage nightmare BC they want the business and you are keeping that away from them. Good luck! In 2022 and I hope more patrons to your channel!! Happy Trails
Well put Martin, you made me realize how much I need to do while my 5th wheel is parked beside the house & that now is the time to get things done before i get ready for spring vacation. Always learn something from you guys. Thanks for posting so much information for the RV community
Very well said. Absolutely love your videos. Very valuable info. I have got to get with it on some extra parts to have on hand.
That’s crazy. I’ve been a prepper when we were called “survivalists”, so I’ve been ready to go, if needs be since before we bought out first used 15’ Komfort Lite. That thing was little, but very much good to go. First thing I did was upgraded from the single propane tank to a double set up. Then from the single 12v battery to a duel 6v setup, then added a 15w solar panel that actually really kicked a$$ considering LEDs weren’t even conceived yet. From there we upgraded to 20’, then another, now I have a 27’. All have been ready to go, including a full water tank as well as 4 extra 5 gallon jugs with a cut off hose attachment to be able to refill the tank, on top of food and medical supplies that are stored in it. I am having an issue with the electrical in the bedroom area, keeps popping fuses. The heater motor went out this last season, and the motor should be here in the next week. I’m divorced now so I don’t really need that particular trailer. I think I’m going to finish it up and sell it after I finish the build I’m doing now. I am purposely building this in a way that it will pretty much be completely off the grid except a constant water source. It’s taken A LOT of RUclips videos and online looking, but everything will be a fairly inexpensive and easily sourced parts, right down to the inverter. Solar, wood stove, LEDs to sip at my power, the toilet is still kinda up in the air, but I am leaning to a composting or composting type toilet. Biggest issue is materials, but when it’s done, it’ll have an spare charge controller, inverter, on top of the little stuff for it and whatever vehicle is towing it. Being a backpacker it will be carrying that gear with resupply which includes a stove and back country hunting/survival gear. If you have an RV TREAT IT LIKE A SECOND HOME because it might be for a while should something go down.
You see that's what I'm talking about. Thinking things through and them putting things in place that suit your needs.
@@RVstreet oh yeah. And in my opinion you’re never really done. Things change. I’m divorced and over 50 now, so I can downsize comfortably and still have everything I need and then some. Always a work in progress. Improvise, Adapt, and Overcome.
@@visamedic 🇺🇸 🙏