RV Trax Panama City

Tag: RV Education

  • Drinking Water Filters

    Filtering Drinking Water

    There are many health reasons to be concerned about the water we drink, especially with an Recreational Vehicle. You and your RV travel and stop at many destinations, that will have many water quality issues. There is not any way to know the health risks that may be encountered from the local water supply, or especially the contaminants introduced from the campground. Freshwater sanitation of your RV is equally important to maintain a clean water system. I recommend installing the best water filtration systems available. A dedicated filtered water drinking tap and ice maker line run from the water filter is very important.

    Most water filtration systems only filter contaminants by physically straining the water. A much better system is called the Metal Trap Ultra Dual Filtration system by Hydropure Technologies. This system works for city water and well water systems. This system works on the principal of chemical oxidation, absorption and ion exchange, whereas it removes and traps the unwanted contaminants. This is a two stage system, whereas the first stage filters iron, copper, manganese, and hydrogen sulfide (rotten egg smell) from most well water systems. It also removes chlorine, chlorinated organic compounds, herbicides, pesticides and residual pharmaceuticals

    As water enters the second stage, activated carbon filters down to one micron. The activated carbon filters out the foul tasting and potentially harmful chemicals and contaminants. This one micron sediment filter will remove dissolved calcium particles, oxidized metals, viruses, bacteria and fine silt.

    These water filtration systems have good installation instructions, quite easy to install and work . exceptionally well. The RV system is rated for 6000 gallons and a larger version is available for your home rated at 14,000 Gallons.

  • Wall Mounting a Flat Screen TV in your RV

    Wall Mounting a Flat Screen TV

     

    Instructions:

     

    1. Purchase the television Wall Mount Kit.
    2. Locate the studs in the wall where you want to hang the TV.
    3. Measure the height where you would like the television mounted and mark location with a pencil.
    4. Take out the back bracket from the kit and place it on the wall with the drilled screw holes at the studs. Drill the bracket if necessary, for proper alignment. Verify the wall mount bracket is level.
    5. Attach bracket to the wall at the studs with the screws enclosed in the kit. (Verify the length of the screws is not too long to protrude out the RV exterior wall). Two sided tape or construction adhesive applied to the back of the bracket before screwing will enhance wall and bracket strength.
    6. Attach the other half of the kit to the back of the television, using the screws enclosed.
    7. It is recommended that you have someone to help lift the television to the mounting bracket on the wall. Slip TV onto track attached to the wall. Slide TV across the track to verify it is centered, then tighten the screws on the bottom track until the television no longer slides freely.
    8. Secure wiring with cable hooks or hide in a flat conduit if necessary. Exposed wires can be disguised by painting a wall color.

     

    Congratulations, you have now mounted a flat screen TV in your RV.

  • 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

    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.

  • RV Water Heaters

    PILOT MODELS
    If your pilot model water heater is not operating properly, first check if the stove or other gas accessories are working, to verify proper gas operation. Sometimes these units have an air lock that will require an extended pilot lighting procedure. The gas valve being turned off for an extended period of time or an LP tank that has been removed to be refilled usually causes this. The pilot models use a gas control valve, burner and a thermocouple. The thermocouple, which senses the pilot flame, is a very small tube that runs from the lower portion of the gas control valve to a bracket located at the pilot flame. If the pilot lights when the gas valve is pressed but goes out when the gas valve is released, it may not be inserted into the pilot flame properly or the thermocouple is defective. Another common problem is that the ECO (Emergency Cut Out) has failed.This will require that the entire gas valve be replaced. There are other tests that can be performed by a qualified technician.

    DSI MODELS
    “Atwood” and “Suburban” are the two manufacturers of DSI (Direct Spark Ignition) water heaters in the RV industry today. There are only minor differences between the two. It would be difficult to get into specific detailed technical troubleshooting and repair techniques. We will answer some common questions and complaints that the average RVer can easily address. DSI models require a good 12-volt DC power source to operate. For details, see the article “Battery Maintenance”. Check the monitor panel for good supply voltage. Also, verify that the fuse for the water heater is good. The second test is to check if the stove or other appliances are operating to verify proper LP gas operation. For additional information see the article “Propane Gas Basics“. If these tests pass, check the following:
    1. Always turn off the 110 Volt AC water heater switch or circuit breaker, if equipped with electric operation before servicing any water heater.

    2. Unplug the electrical connector to the DSI Module Board and inspect the terminals for corrosion, then clean if necessary. Reinstall the connector. This board is usually black in color. Depending on the model, it can be located outside under the water heater cover or inside behind the water heater inside a cabinet, with a plastic cove rover the module if located inside.

    3. All water heaters use a thermostat and an ECO (Emergency Cut Out) or high limit switch. Some models use a reset switch and can be reset by simply pressing the black rubber push button or a small pin type button located on the ECO switch. Some models also use a heat fuse that has a terminal on each end inside a clear plastic tube and can fail.

    4. DSI models have a switch and a red light for LP gas operation located inside the RV. On most models the light should turn on momentarily until the water heater is lit. On all models if the light comes back on or stays on, this indicates a lock out problem and the unit will not operate. If this occurs, turn the switch off and back on to see if it is operating properly. This can be tried several more times. Air that may be in the LP gas system should self-bleed with this process. Air in the LP gas system can enter when the LP tank valve is closed for an extended period of time or the LP tank
    has been refilled. If your water heater still will not operate, seek professional assistance.

    Some important tips to follow for all models are:
    1. Never operate your water heater in gas or electric operation if the tank is empty. To properly fill your tank, open a hot water faucet, with a pressurized water supply connected, until all of the air has escaped and clear water flow is present. Do not open the T&P valve to fill.

    2. You should drain the water heater monthly to flush out corrosion. Turn off the water heater and supply before removing the drain plug. Open the T&P valve lever located on the top exterior of the water heater, this will aid in faster drain time. Always snap this valve closed and reinstall the drain plug before refilling the tank. Some models use an anode rod as part of the drain plug. This rod should be replaced if it is more than 50% deteriorated. Open a hot water faucet to refill the water heater.

    T & P VALVE
    This is a temperature and pressure safety valve. It is designed to release water pressure if the water temperature exceeds 210°F or if the pressure within the tank exceeds 124 to 150 PSI. Weeping or dripping at the valve while heating does not necessarily mean that the valve is defective. All water heater tanks require an air gap because water expands as it is heated. Never open the lever on the T&P valve to fill the tank. If the valve is leaking, turn off the water heater, water supply and allow cooling time to avoid burns. Remove the drain plug and open the T&P valve lever to aid in
    quicker draining of excess water in the tank. Reinstall the drain plug and snap the T&P valve lever closed. Turn on the water supply, open a hot water faucet to expel all the air until clear water flow is established. Turn the water heater back on. If the leak reoccurs the T&P valve must be replaced.

    SOOT
    You should occasionally check the exhaust and flame of your water heater while operating in the LP gas mode. Always check this if your unit has been in storage. The flame can be seen when the exterior cover is opened and it should be a nice blue color. If the flame is yellow or orange, the water heater should be shut off immediately in the LP gas mode. It can still be operated in the electric mode. A common cause of an orange or yellow flame is a spider web or obstruction in the burner tube. Other causes are, a dirty orifice, restricted flue tube, misaligned burner, flame spreader, obstructed
    exhaust grill or an improper air adjustment. Most RVers do not have the proper training or tools to address these concerns. You should seek professional assistance to correct the problem.

    ROTTEN EGG SMELL
    Some RV’ers have complained about a rotten egg smell in the hot water. It is most commonly caused by sulfur in the water. It can also be caused by an electro-galvanic action of the water heater tank or even the anode rod. Bacteria can also cause this. The best process to correct this condition is as follows:
    1. Turn off the water heater and water supply. Allow cooling to avoid burns. Releasethe water pressure by opening a hot water faucet then close after the pressure is released.

    2. Drain the tank by removing the drain plug. Open the T&P valve lever to aid in draining. Once it has drained, snap the T&P valve lever closed.

    3. Turn on the water supply and allow plenty of clean pressurized water to flush the sediment out of the tank drain. Compressed air can also be used to agitate the sediment or in severe cases, you may also use a stiff wire through the drain hole to break up the sediment. Be careful not to damage the threads. Reinstall the drain plug when completed. Refill as outlined above, or continue to step 4.

    4. Flush the entire system as described in the article WATER SYSTEM SANITATION.

    5. For major smells, you can add 2 parts of distilled vinegar to 1 part water. This takes a lot of distilled vinegar. To do this reinstall the drain plug and open a hot water faucet to vent. Screw or install a rubber hose into the T&P valve with the lever open and insert a funnel into the open end of the rubber hose. Pour the vinegar and water solution through the funnel until the tank is full. Let it soak for at least 2 hours.

    6. Remove the drain plug to drain all the solution from the tank. Snap the T&P valve lever closed and turn off the hot water faucet. Turn on the fresh water supply, and allow plenty of water to flush out the solution from the tank. Turn off the water supply, reinstall the drain plug, and open a hot water faucet. Turn on the water supply and allow all air to escape from the faucet until clear. Turn the water heater back on.

    We have tried to address many of the common problems associated with water heaters. You should be aware of your own capabilities. This article is not intended to take the place of professional detailed technical training. If you would like to have a qualified professional correct these problems, call (850) 866-6999 or visit .

    February 14, 2011

  • Weight Ratings and Limits

    WEIGHT RATINGS AND LIMITS
    Ratings are the limits established by the vehicle manufacturer, which are not to be exceeded. Ratings are based on structural strength, braking power, stability, control issues and performance. Exceeding a rating invites unsafe conditions, potential damage, may void a warranty, complicate an insurance claim and in some cases violate the law. The following load abbreviations are explained as follows:

    GVWR
    Gross Vehicle Weight Rating is the maximum allowable weight of the fully loaded vehicle, including liquids, passenger’s cargo, and the tongue weight of any towed vehicle.

    GAWR
    Gross Axle Weight Rating is the maximum allowable weight each axle assembly is designed to carry, as measured at the tires, therefore including the weight of the axle assembly itself. GAWR is established by considering the rating of each of its components (tires, wheels, springs, axle, etc.) and rating the axle on its weakest link. The GAWR assumes the load is equal on both sides.

    GCWR
    Gross Combination Weight Rating is the maximum allowable combined weight of the vehicle and the attached towed vehicle. GCWR assumes that both vehicles have functioning brakes, with the exceptions in some cases for a very light towed vehicle, normally less than 1,500 pounds. Check your manual, and towing guide.

    UVW:
    Unloaded Vehicle Weight is the total weight of the vehicle, as built at the factory, with the fuel full, engine, transmission, generator, oil, fluids and coolants. It does not include cargo, fresh water, LP gas, occupants or dealer installed accessories.

    NCC:
    Net Carrying Capacity is the maximum weight of all personal belongings, food, fresh water, LP gas, cargo, tools and dealer installed accessories, etc., that can be carried by the vehicle.

    SCWR:
    Sleeping Capacity Weight Rating is the manufacturers designated number of sleeping positions multiplied by 154 pounds.

    CCC:
    Cargo Carrying Capacity is equal to the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating minus each of the following: The unloaded vehicle weight, full fresh potable water weight including the water heater capacity weight, LP gas weight and the sleeping capacity weight rating.

    Neither NCC nor CCC tells how much can be carried without exceeding a rating. Know the distribution of the carrying capacity. For example, how much is available on each axle and on each tire.

    HITCH RATINGS
    GTWR
    Gross Trailer Weight Rating is the maximum towed vehicle weight. Each component (receiver, draw bar, ball) of a ball type hitch has its own rating. Some ball type hitches have separate ratings when used with a weight distributing system.

    TWR/TLR/VLR
    Tongue Weight Rating, Tongue Load Rating, or Vertical Load Rating are different terms for the maximum vertical load that can be carried by the hitch.

    For more information you can visit https://rvsafety.com or call a qualified professional at(850) 866-6999 or visit https://rvtrax.com