RV Trax Panama City

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  • Making RV Window Curtains

    Making RV Window Curtains

    Making Wall-Mount Curtains for an RV

    Making and sewing wall mounted curtains for an Recreational Vehicle is not very different than sewing curtains for a regular window. The main difference is the method of installation for the RV curtains. Wall mounted curtains for a Recreational Vehicle usually connect to the wall at the top and bottom of the curtain. Curtain Tracks are installed above and below the window. The top and bottom helm of the curtains have a row of Carriers that slide or pop into the tracks. It is preferred to use a sew in vinyl carrier tape on the outside of the curtain helm and then onto the wall mounted track.

    Instructions

    Measuring the Window:

     

    1. Measure and record the length of the window from the outside edge of the top track to the outside edge of the bottom track. It is not recommended to rely on the size of the window. You are measuring the window and the space surrounding the window frame where the tracks are mounted.
    2. Measure and record the width of the window from one inch outside the left window edge to one inch outside the right window edge.
    3. Add 4 1/2” inches to the window length to determine the modified length of the curtain. This measurement is to allow extra fabric seam allowance for the top and bottom helms and for enclosing the sew in carrier tape.
    4. Multiply the width of the window by two. Divide this measurement by two to determine the width of each panel, because RV curtains generally have two panels that you can open them in the center.

     

    Measuring and Cutting the Fabric:

     

    1. Lay the fabric on a table with the back side facing up.
    2. Using chalk, mark two rectangles measuring the modified length (see step 3 Measuring the window)
    3. Cut the two rectangles from the fabric. These are the two curtain panels.

     

    Sewing the Curtains:

     

    1. Lay one fabric panel horizontally on the table with the back side facing up. Fold the left edge of the fabric over ¼ inch onto the back side of the fabric, and then fold it over ½ inch and pin the helm. Repeat this procedure for the right edge of the fabric and for the other curtain panel.
    2. Sew the left and right helms using a straight stitch and ½ seam allowance. Repeat for the other panel.
    3. Lay one panel horizontally on the table with the back side facing up. Fold the bottom edge over ¼ inch. Pin the helm. Repeat for the top edge and for the other panel.
    4. Sew the top and bottom helms using a ¼ inch seam allowance and a straight stitch. Remove the pins and repeat steps for the other panel.
    5. Measure and cut two pieces of vinyl carrier tape to the width of the hemmed panel.
    6. Lay the panel onto the table with the back side facing up. Fold the hemmed top edge over 1 inch against the back side of the fabric. Repeat for the bottom panel edge.
    7. Insert the vinyl carrier tape with the snaps facing up beneath the fold of the top edge, aligning the bottom edge of the tape with the bottom edge of the helm. Repeat for the hemmed bottom edge of the panel.
    8. Locate the snap bumps under the folded top curtain edge. Rub the bumps with the chalk to indicate the positioning of each snap. Repeat for the bottom panel edge. Remove the inserted vinyl carrier tape.
    9. Use a fabric hole punch or an eyelet tool to punch holes on the top of each chalk mark. Place fabric horizontally onto the table with the back side facing up. Fold the top and bottom edge over one inch as in step 5.
    10. Insert the vinyl carrier tape with the snaps facing up under the folded top edge. Align the snaps with the holes in the fabric. Pin through the fabric, the vinyl tape and the lower most layer of fabric. Repeat for the bottom panel edge.
    11. Insert a machine needle intended for sewing vinyl. Sew the top edge using a straight stitch and a one inch seam allowance. Verify you are sewing through the bottom edge of the vinyl tape to secure the tape within the fabric fold. Remove the pins and repeat for the bottom panel edge.
    12. Repeat steps 6 thru 11 for the second curtain panel.

     

    Inserting the Carriers:

     

    1. Lay the finished panels with the back side facing up.

    1. Snap the Carriers to the exposed snaps along the top and bottom edges of the panels.
    2. Insert or snap the Carriers into the Tracks along the top and bottom of the RV window. Some Tracks require an End Cap to be snapped or screwed to the ends of each track to secure the carriers. Arrange as desired.

     

    Congratulations, you have now successively made your own custom RV curtains.

  • How to Make RV Front Window Curtains

    How to Make RV Front Window Curtains

    How to make RV Front Window Curtains

    RV furnishings can become boring if they are not updated. Making new curtains can help with the look of your RV. Recreational Vehicle front windows have a Track System for the curtains to mount on. Custom curtains give you a wide range of prints and colors to chose from and can brighten the living area. Custom window treatments give the RV a personalized one of a kind style.

    Instructions:

    1. Measure the width of the front window or the track length if it is a wrap around style for the side windows. Place the measuring tape on the top left corner of the window or track and carefully, following any contours, measure to the opposite corner. Record this measurement. Double this number. This is your curtain width.
    2. Measure the height of the front window from the top corner to the bottom corner, or from the upper Curtain Track to the top of the dash. Add 3 inches to this measurement for the top and bottom helms. This is the curtain fabric length.
    3. Cut a piece of fabric that equals the length and width measurements. Multiple panels of fabric may be required to meet the width measurement. If this is required add ½ inch to the width measurement for every panel, thus allowing for ¼ inch seams to join the panels.
    4. Place the curtain fabric on a flat surface with the back side up. Turn the short ends of the fabric to the back side ¼ inch. Press in place and stitch with the sewing machine.
    5. Place the curtain fabric on a table with the back side up and hem the top and bottom edges. Fold the top edge back ½ inch and press in place. Turn another 1 inch and secure with pins. Machine stitch in place. Repeat the same steps for the bottom edge.
    6. Add Grommets to the top edge, (and bottom if required), of the curtain fabric. Start at the left edge about ½ inch from the top. Position a grommet every inch. Make a hole in the center with a Punching Tool from the Grommet Kit. If necessary, add grommets to the bottom of the fabric in the same manner. Line the top and bottom grommets up. The curtain is ready to hang on the existing front window tracking system. Curtain Track, Curtain Sliders, and Curtain Stops can be purchased as required.

     

    Tips and Warnings

    You can add character and style to the curtains with appliques, tassels, trims and beads. You can make curtain holders secured with Velcro to tie the curtain back when not in use.

    Choose fabrics designed withstand lots of sun. These fabrics are fade resistant and the colors will last longer than other types of fabrics.

     

    Congratulations, you now have custom one of a kind front window curtains that you can be proud of.

  • De-Winterizing Fresh Water Supply

    De-Winterizing Fresh Water Supply

    Removing Antifreeze from Fresh Water System after Winterizing

    When putting your Recreational Vehicle back into service after winterizing, it is important to flush the fresh water system of all the Anti freeze used to winterize and protect the fresh water system from freezing, Following a few steps will assure you of a clean fresh water system.

    1. Drain the fresh water holding tank of any antifreeze that was added. During the winterizing process. Shut the fresh water tank low point drain valve.
    2. Remove the drain plug from the water heater and allow it to drain. Re-install the plug. .
    3. Put several gallons of fresh water into the fresh water holding tank. Open the low point fresh water tank drain and allow the water to drain completely. Close the low point drain valve..
    4. Refill the fresh water tank with several gallons of fresh water..
    5. Turn the fresh water pump on
    6. Open all the cold water faucets one by one and allow the water to flow for several minutes.
    7. Turn the fresh water pump off.
    8. Connect the city water inlet to the fresh water hose and turn the city water supply on.
    9. Open all the hot and cold water faucets and allow water to flow for several minutes. Flush the toilet a few times. If you have a washer machine, operate in in a warm cycle to allow anti freeze to be flushed out. Open the outdoor shower faucets if equipped.
    10. If equipped with a water heater bypass, turn the valves back to the normal position. And open all the hot water faucets, one by one allowing the air to escape. Allow all hot water faucets to flow for a few minutes.
    11. A great option at this time would be to perform the fresh water sanitation procedure outlined in the Fresh Water Sanitation article to have a clean fresh water system.
    12. It would be recommended to shut the fresh water supply off and relieve the pressure bu opening a hot water spigot. Remove the hot water heater drain plug and allow it to drain again. Re-install the plug and refill the tank.

    Your fresh water system is now ready for safe use.

  • RV Electrical Shocks

    RV Electrical Shocks

    If you have ever experienced an electrical shock when you touch your RV, or while entering or exiting your RV, there is a safety concern to avoid injury or possible electrocution.

    This is a condition called “Hot Skin” and is often caused by the wiring in the electrical receptacle that your RV Cord is plugged into, or a faulty extension cord.  It can also be caused by faulty wiring or connections in your Recreational Vehicle.  If electrical “Hot” and “Neutral” wires are reversed or the Ground wire is improperly connected, your coach and you can become an electrical circuit with unpleasant or dangerous results.

    There is an inexpensive small device available called a Polarity Tester.  This  device will eliminate the guesswork and the possible hazards before you plug in your RV to Shore Power.  Simply plug  the device into the Shore Power Outlet, before plugging in your RV Electrical Cord. It is a simple device to use, and can save you money and possibly save your life.

    After checking the Shore Power Outlet, it is recommended to check your RV outlets regularly.  Road vibrations can cause wiring connections to loosen and possibly causing damage to your RV.

  • Water System Sanitation

    Water System Sanitation

    WATER SYSTEM SANITATION
    It is not uncommon for RV owners to complain of bad water. The first sign of contaminated water systems is usually a bad taste, followed by odors emanating from the water supply. Bacteria may have built up in the water tank, especially if the water tanks supply has not been used frequently and
    not been replenished with clean water regularly. When a rig comes out of storage or is being used extensively on a city water connection, the fresh water tank and the entire water system should be sanitized before use. The following steps should be taken to disinfect the entire water system:

    1. Turn off the city water supply. Verify the water heater is turned off. Remove the water heater drain plug.
    2. Drain the fresh water tank and water heater completely.
    3. Close the fresh water valve and reinstall the water heater drain plug.
    4. Refill the fresh water tank about half way with fresh water.
    5. Mix ¼ cup of household bleach for every 15 gallons of the fresh water and water heater tanks total capacity, in a container of one or two gallons of fresh water. Pour this mixture into the fresh water tank and top off the tank with fresh water.
    6. Turn on the fresh water pump and open all the faucets, including the toilet. Allow the air to escape from the hot water supply to fill the water heater tank. This will fill the entire system with the bleach solution.
    7. Top off the water tank again with fresh water.
    8. Drive the vehicle if possible to slosh the solution, then let stand for several hours.
    9. Completely drain the entire fresh water system including the water heater.
    10. Close the fresh water tank valve and reinstall the drain plugs.
    11. To neutralize the bleach odor, mix ½ cup of baking soda with about one gallon of fresh water and pour into the fresh water tank. Refill the tank with fresh water, turn the pump on again and flush this mixture through the entire system.
    12. To drain the baking soda solution, open the fresh water tank valve and remove the water heater drain plug, then proceed to drain the entire system again. Close the fresh water tank valve and reinstall the water heater drain plug.
    13. Refill the fresh water tank with clean water, turn on the pump, then open the hot water and cold water faucets until all of the air has escaped. Turn your hot water heater back on. Now your fresh water system is disinfected and cleaner than new. If you would like a qualified professional to perform this service for you, call (850) 866-6999 or visit https://rvtrax.com.

  • Refrigerator Maintenance

    Refrigerator Maintenance

    RV Refrigerator Maintenance Tips

    The absorption style RV refrigerator requires very little maintenance, but there are some things that you can do to maintain proper operations. The most important tip is only operating the refrigerator while your RV is level and to keep it clean, preventing any obstructions in the wall and roof venting system. The air flow through the back of the refrigerator is gravity controlled. Cooler air is drawn through the lower exterior wall vent exterior venting system flowing across the hot refrigerator coils. The warm air rises out through the upper wall vent or roof vent. The rising air collects heat from the evaporator fins as it passes by, thus removing heat from the cooling unit. Air flow cooling problems increase during hot and humid climates and are more prevalent with refrigerators mounted in slide out walls with a upper exterior wall vent.
    If you have poor refrigerator cooling performance, use a mirror and light at the bottom backside compartment of the refrigerator facing upwards. Verify that there is not any insulation or other obstructions that are restricting air flow. There should be a maximum of one inch clearance between the evaporator coils and the facing wall. If the clearance is more than this, your refrigerator will benefit by the addition of baffles. It is sometimes necessary to remove the refrigerator to install baffles. This will generally result in much improved cooling efficiency. Some models of refrigerators also use fans located on the rear coils to aid in air flow. These fans are temperature controlled by the coils and can generally be heard operating during warmer climates. It is very important that fan operation is verified. A small fan can also be installed aiding in additional air flow. Parking with the refrigerator side in a shaded area, will also help cooling efficiency.
    During hot and humid weather, your refrigerator is working to capacity. It is recommended that the refrigerator doors be closed as much as possible. Decide what you need to remove or put into the refrigerator beforehand. Open and close the doors as quickly as possible. Do not overload the refrigerator storage compartment. It is important to allow for air currents to circulate inside the food storage compartment for adequate cooling. Small battery operated fans can be placed in the food storage compartment to aid in air circulation and maintaining a even air temperature throughout the food compartment. It is also recommended to limit the amount of heavy items stored on the refrigerator doors to avoid expensive hinge and door replacement.
    Check the door seals by inserting a dollar bill between the door and refrigerator cabinet. Close the door on the bill, checking for slight resistance when you pull the bill out. Repeat this test all the way around the door opening. If there are any places where resistance is not felt, a rolled up paper towel temporarily installed behind that section of seal and a hair dryer to heat the seal may correct the problem. After the seal has cooled, remove the rolled up paper towel and recheck the seal with the bill. A torn or damaged door seal will require seal or door replacement.
    Always start the refrigerator at least 24 hours before using, allowing it to cool while empty. Cool all food and beverages before loading a the RV refrigerator. Allow all hot or warm foods to cool to room temperature before putting it away. This will greatly reduce defrosting requirements and greatly increase cooling performance.
    It is recommended to monitor your refrigerators interior temperature to ensure food safety. A fridge alarm is available. This is a dual temperature monitor system that emits both audible and visible warnings when interior temperatures exceed your settings. A recommended product is a Camco Fridge alarm manufacturer # 41223 or our catalog # 14-7873. Visit our website at www.rvtraxinc.com for more information.
    Watch this RV Education 101 video for a better understanding of your RV refrigerator operation https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fiODEcUAkeU&feature=related