RV Trax Panama City

Tag: RV Tech

  • Battery Maintenance

    BATTERY MAINTENANCE
    Batteries are a common problem in a recreational vehicle. This is especially true when an RV is being stored and is not plugged into a shore power source. For your RV to operate smoothly, it is essential that you have a good 12-volt DC (Direct Current) source. Most lights, jacks, power steps, furnaces, refrigerators, slide outs, water pumps and accessories require a good 12-volt DC supply. When an RV is plugged into an AC (Alternating Current) shore power source, a high tech battery charger called a Converter is supplying a DC charge to run the RV
    accessories and charge the house or coach batteries. The converter converts 120 Volts AC to approximately 13.5 Volts DC. RV’s use deep cycle 12-volt batteries wired in parallel, or at least two 6-volt batteries wired in series for 12-volt service. The 6-volt batteries have a much longer service life.
    Either way, both are used to power the coach or house accessories. These are generally wet cell batteries, so the electrolyte level must be checked regularly. Always refill all wet cell batteries with distilled water and use proper safety precautions as listed later in this article.
    Very few recreational vehicles use a deep cycle gel cell battery. This type of battery is low maintenance but requires special charging techniques. Most converter chargers are not capable of properly charging this type of battery; therefore it is not recommended as a replacement battery for most RV‘s.
    Starting or Cranking Batteries are designed to always be fully charged. They provide greater cranking amperage to start the engine. These batteries are generally used for the chassis only and most recreational vehicles do not supply charging voltages to this battery from the converter. These batteries usually obtain a charge from the alternator, when the engine is started.
    If your RV is in storage for an extended length of time, it is recommended that you have a solar battery charger installed. This will greatly extend the battery life.
    Always keep the top of your batteries clean and dry. A dirty battery can have a current drain, causing a discharge across the top of the battery. A mixture of water and baking soda will neutralize the acids and corrosion present on the batteries and in the storage compartment.
    It is wise to obtain a voltmeter to check battery voltages periodically. When a unit is not plugged in battery voltage should be no less than 10.5 Volts DC when it is discharged or 12.5 Volts DC when fully charged. When the RV is plugged into a shore power source, the converter should supply between 12.5 Volts DC and 14.2 Volts DC. These same voltages should also be present when shore power is disconnected and while the engine is running and the alternator is charging properly.
    You must follow specific precautions to service a battery safely. Batteries produce hydrogen gas, which is extremely explosive and can cause severe burns. Wet cell batteries require lots of ventilation. Some recreational vehicles have the battery in a sealed compartment located inside the unit. These compartments must always be vented to the outside atmosphere.
    Always remove any metallic jewelry, wear protective clothing and wear safety eye protection when servicing batteries. Smoking, sparks or flames can produce disastrous results. It is advisable to have a fresh water source available in case of an accident. Flush skin and eyes with plenty of water if this occurs. Always wash your hands with soap and water after any battery service.  Always disconnect the black negative (-) terminal first and the red positive (+) terminal last. When reconnecting the batteries, connect the red positive terminal first and the black negative terminal last. It is recommended that you clearly mark the terminal locations before removal to aid in re-installation of the terminals properly.
    Never attempt to charge a frozen, swollen or damaged battery. Always disconnect the batteries when using an electric welder on the RV.  You must always be careful and use extreme caution when servicing batteries.

    If you would like to have a qualified professional test and repair your electrical system, call (850) 866-6999 or visit https://rvtrax.com.

  • Buying A New RV

    BUYING A NEW RECREATIONAL VEHICLE
    Most dealers do not provide the information necessary for an RV’er to get full knowledge of owning and operating an RV. One of the most important things for you to do, is plenty of research on the brand of RV you are considering to buy. Some RV’s look great, have extra large slide outs and wonderful floor plans. Unfortunately a lot of these RV’s are manufactured with poor quality and have many problems. Accessories such as leveling systems, tow bars, hitches and brake controllers should also be researched. Do not rely on the dealer to tell you what brands to buy because the preferred brand is always the one they sell. It is also recommended that you thoroughly check your dealer’s reputation for customer service.

    Most dealers seem to love you when you are spending money to purchase your RV, but cannot remember you when you need service or have questions after the purchase. Call the Better Business Bureau and talk to other RV’ers about the dealer and the quality of the product you intend to purchase. If you intend to purchase a used RV, it is imperative that you have an unbiased quality professional thoroughly inspect your unit before the purchase, or you may call us at (850)866-6999 or visit https://rvtrax.com for a pre-purchase inspection. A used RV can be the most economical way to own an RV if it is inspected properly. Beware of most extended warranty service plans. Most are quite expensive and seem to represent that all repairs will be covered when it is not so. Always read the exclusions and what is not covered to understand what you are about to purchase. Extend warranty companies are trying hard to make excuses why they should not cover legitimate repairs. Too often, they will want to send an adjuster out, with delay, before any repairs can be made. This can be an awful experience, if it is 98 degrees outside and your air conditioner is not operating.

    The most important thing to remember is not to be in a hurry. It is a good idea to rent the type of RV that you are considering purchasing.  Spending time driving and camping in the RV is a great way to verify that you are making the proper purchase. An RV is an expensive investment. Do not purchase and close the deal and leave your dealership until you ask your dealer many questions, verify all appliances, accessories operate properly and have a good understanding about the RV and operating the accessories. If the dealer will not spend the time with you or seem not to understand the items listed below, look for another dealer. Following are a few of the many steps that you should follow to have a great RV experience:

    1. Learn how to use all the switches, gauges and cockpit controls.

    2. Learn how to operate the energy management system, as well as the systems monitor panel.

    3. Learn how to check and fill all fluids for the drive train, leveling systems, and other accessories.

    4. Learn how to operate and maintain the generator and understand any safety precautions.

    5. Learn how to safely operate the slide outs, as well as maintenance procedures.

    6. Learn how to safely operate and maintain the leveling system.

    7. Learn how to operate the awnings and power vents.

    8. Learn how the 120-volt AC system works, including circuit breakers and GFI breaker locations, as well as reset procedures. Also, learn how to use shore power adapters.

    9. Learn how to operate the TV and stereo entertainment system, as well as cable hook ups, antenna and satellite dish operations.

    10. Learn how to safely light the oven range, stove and microwave operations.

    11. Learn how to operate the refrigerator in the different modes of operation.

    12. Learn how to operate the air conditioners, the climate control thermostat system and where the filters are located.

    13. Learn how to safely operate the furnace, vent locations and safety precautions.

    14. Learn how to safely operate the water heater’s gas and electric operations; the water fills and drain procedures.

    15. Learn the locations, proper usage and reset procedures of the converter and inverter systems.

    16. Learn how the 12 volt DC system works, fuse and circuit breaker locations, battery disconnect switches, battery locations, maintenance procedures, as well as the types of batteries the RV uses.

    17. Learn how to operate the LP propane system, recognizing the rotten egg smell of LP gas, operating the LP detector, carbon monoxide detector and smoke detectors. Also, learn the location of the LP tanks, regulator and shut off valve operations.

    18. Obtain instruction of the proper fire extinguisher operation, locations and all emergency exits.

    19. Learn how to drain and fill the fresh water tank, city water connections, water pressure regulator usage, water pump operation and winterizing procedures.

    20. Learn how to drain and flush the gray and black water holding tanks, checking the levels, deodorizers and types of toilet paper to be used. Always use rubber gloves when draining a holding tank. Know how to drain the fresh water tank and the locations of low point drains.

    21. Learn how to properly clean and maintain your roof, interior and exterior finishes.

    22. Many Toy Haulers or Toy Box models have a gasoline filling station built in. Learn the proper safety usage techniques. Learn how to properly secure the load and operate the tailgate.

    23. Understand tire safety precautions, air pressures, weight factors, proper wheel lug torques and towing capabilities. Learn jack, lug wrench and spare tire locations. Verify the tire pressures can easily be checked. You may need to have valve stem extensions installed.

    24. Verify that you have all the operations manuals and warranty forms. Also, ask for component locater and wiring schematics. The factory will provide this information if the dealer requests it. This will save lots of repair time in the future.

    25. Always pay attention to your instruction manuals for your RV. Complete and mail all warranty forms; this will allow manufacturers to contact you about recalls and save time when obtaining warranty repairs.

    26. If purchasing a travel trailer or fifth wheel, verify your tow vehicle GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating) and hitch capacity are adequate to tow the RV. Verify that you have the proper stabilizers, brake controllers, electrical connectors and chains. For more information visit https://rvsafety.com

    27. If you are to tow a vehicle behind your motor home, learn about the GVWR, towing and hitch capacities, electrical connections and brake controllers of the rig. For more information visit https://rvsafety.com

    28. Always inspect your tow bar and hitch for worn parts. Tow vehicles over 1,500 pounds need to have brakes. The best towing accessories, that we recommend, are the Blue Ox or Demco brands.

    29. Hook up your rig and do a complete walk-around inspection for lights, safety items, secured cargo and accessories before driving.
    30.

    If you would like a qualified professional to answer any questions or inspect the RV, for purchase call (850) 866-6999 or visit https://rvtrax.com.

  • Roof Inspection and Maintenance

    Metal and Rubber Roof Inspection and Maintenance Tips

    Spring is the time of year when most RV’ers are taking out their Recreational Vehicle after the cold winter season, and it is the time of year when bi-annual inspections and maintenance should be performed. One important and commonly overlooked inspection to be performed is the roof. Most RV’s are using a EDPM Rubber Roof Membrane. This is a very tough and durable material, but it is relatively thin and can be punctured by a sharp object. You can carefully walk on most roofs, but always stay on the solid cross member supports and make sure your feet are clean. Verify that there are not any rocks or other types of hard or sharp objects on the roof, as walking on these objects can cause damage. Most rubber roofs have a 3/16” to 1/2” plywood type substrate underlay. Thin roofs and some metal roofs may require a length of plywood strip, or long wide boards laid lengthwise front to rear across the supports to properly support you, because the boards span the rafters to evenly distribute your weight evenly across several supports.

    Closely inspect the roof membrane condition, all the seams, and every protruding fixture. Minor cracks or thin spots can be cleaned and caulked with the proper material. Silicone sealants are not to be used and EDPM Roofs prohibits use of any products containing petroleum distillates. If the sealant is peeling or flaking, it must be cut and scraped out, properly cleaned with a roof cleaner product. Be careful scraping a rubber roof. A plastic scraper is recommended. Heating the old sealant with a heat gun will aid in removal. Rubber roofs should be caulked with Dicor Self Leveling Sealant around seams and Dicor Lap Sealant around the fixtures and side seams. A recommended product to reduce roof maintenance requirement is Ertrna-bond Tape. It is available in 4” and 6” widths on 50′ rolls. This product is very durable, easy to use, permanently seals seams and great around skylights. Rubber roof tears can be repaired with Eterna-bond Tape or a Rubber Roof Patch kit. Rubber roofs should be cleaned twice a year with a EDPM Roof Cleaner and a EDPM Conditioner to protect the roof membrane. A rubber roof that has been neglected and poorly maintained may require a Rubber Roof Primer and a Rubber Roof Coating applied, or a new EDPM Membrane installed.

    Metal roofs are inspected in a similar manner as above, but require slightly different materials for maintenance and repair. Cracked and peeling seams can be scraped clean with a metal blade. Use the Surebond Everseal Sealant or Geocel ProFlex RV Sealant. The Eterna-bond Tape can also be used for all the seams and skylights. Metal roofs, at some time, may require an Kool Seal Aluminum Roof Coating or Hengs Fibered Aluminum Roof Coating. Thoroughly clean the roof before applying any coating. Rinse the outside exterior walls often to avoid staining and streaking.

    Both metal and rubber roofs use the same fixtures, such as Plumbing Vents, Antenna Mounts, Skylights and Vent Lids that must be inspected or replaced if damaged. Slide outs have a roof membrane, seams and Seals that must also be inspected. Slide out seals can benefit from using a Slide Out Rubber Conditioner.

    It is recommended to inspect and treat a roof at least twice a year to avoid costly repairs and structural water damage. A little roof maintenance will save you money and provide your RV roof with many years of a trouble free life. .

  • Important RV Tips

    IMPORTANT RV TIPS

    Most recreational vehicles are equipped with a Dometic or Norcold heat absorption refrigerator. Contact the manufacturer to find out if your RV refrigerator has a safety recall. The refrigerator model number, product serial number and the cooling unit serial number will need to be supplied to obtain recall information

       

      If you ever smell ammonia emanating from the refrigerator, or notice a green yellow residue around the outside cooling unit , shut off the refrigerator immediately to avoid a fire hazard. These symptoms indicate a defective cooling unit that must be replaced.

     

    RV Refrigerators most be operated level for proper operation. Operating a refrigerator that is not level causes cumulative restriction damage to the cooling unit, usually warranting expensive replacement. A repair can sometimes be accomplished by removing the refrigerator and performing a burping procedure. This is accomplished by laying in on its sides and upside down for a period of time.. This may be a temporary repair.

    Atwood and Suburban are both major manufacturers of water heaters and have posted bulletins warning against after market parts and heating elements. Atwood direct spark ignition Water Heaters now have an adjustable thermostat available.

    Do not operate RV generators while parked in confined spaces. The exhaust emits deadly carbon monoxide gas that must be well ventilated to disperse. All RV’s equipped with a generator should be equipped with a Carbon Monoxide Detector for safety. A Gen-Turi exhaust system is available for Motor Homes, that directs deadly exhaust gas above the roof line. Altitude and heat adversely affect the efficiency of generators, so most carburetors have altitude adjustments on the carburetor bowl.

    When storing an RV, as a safety precaution, turn off the LP gas and disconnect the batteries. This will help eliminate dead batteries. Battery life can be greatly extended by keeping them charged wit a small trickle charger or a solar charger. Follow safety precautions when servicing batteries. Use only distilled water when filling and keep the top of the batteries and the battery tray clean. This can be accomplished by using a mixture of water and baking soda . This will neutralize the corrosion. Keep the terminals  and the top of the battery clean.

    When your RV is to be put back into use after storage, always inspect the refrigerator, furnace and water heater vents for rodent nests before switching the appliance on. Inspect the water heater flame for a nice blue color. A yellow flame indicates a possible spider nest or restriction in the burner tube. This can be a fire hazard, so do not operate. Before switching a water heater on, always connect a water supply and fill the tank by opening a hot water faucet till all air has escaped.

    When an RV is parked for any length of time, it is recommended that you partially unload the suspension by extending the leveling jacks. This will greatly extend the life of the springs and suspension.

    Before each use of the RV, check tire pressures, fluid levels, horn, wipers, brake, turn signal,clearance lights and headlamps. Test the braking system of towed vehicles.

    Always verify towed vehicles are in park, brake applied, or the wheels chocked before disconnecting from a tow bar or hitch to avoid sudden movement..

    RV roofs should be inspected for gaps, cracks, voids breaks, looseness, or any signs of physical deterioration at least twice a year. Treating with a rubber roof cleaner and a conditioner is recommended. Never use any products containing citrus chemicals or petroleum distillates on a EDPM Rubber Roof. Do not use silicone sealant and use only the recommended sealant and cleaner solvents, when repair is necessary. A breathable RV Cover will protect your RV and roof from climate & weathering damage. Covering the RV with a tarp or plastic can trap moisture and condensation inside the RV, which in turn, can result in possible formation of molds and mildews.

    The RV LP propane system should be checked annually for leaks and proper operations. Any rotten egg smell indicates a LP leak. Shut off the LP valve immediately. Listen for a initial PSST hiss sound when turning the LP valve on, then the sound will stop. Any flow sound indicates a leak and the LP system must be shut off immediately. Low propane levels and low ambient temperatures can cause the propane appliances work less efficiently. If you intend to use the appliances in cold weather, keep the propane tanks as full as possible.

    A beeping LP Detector may be an indicator of a low battery. A continuous alarm indicates a LP gas leak, or can be caused by some cleaners and sewer gasses.

    Turn off the water heater and drain monthly to avoid damage to the hot water tank. And electric heating elements.

    Inspect area around a RV slide out for clearances before operating. Inspect the slide out seals f or any damage.

    Using too small or long an extension cord can pose a safety hazard, as well as damaging the RV appliances from too low an operating voltage. Always inspect the plug and receptacle for damage. It is recommended to use a volt meter or voltage monitor to safely operate the RV. Voltages should be between 108 volts and 132 volts AC. A Surge Protector is recommended to avoid damaging your RV appliances and accessories from electrical surges, high voltage and improper wiring connections.

    Test the GFI (ground fault Interrupter) outlets and circuits monthly.

    A tripped circuit breaker is reset by pressing the circuit breaker switch firmly to the off position and turning it back on.

    Always verify the antenna is lowered, the step is retracted, storage items and portable appliances secured before moving the RV.

    Keep Air Conditioner return air filters clean. Inspect the coils for contamination. Listen for unusual noises or vibrations. Use a coil cleaner or have them professionally cleaned for proper performance.

    Never leave the black water valve open when connected to full hook up Campgrounds. The black waste water tank must be kept wet at all times. Allow the tank to fill first, then open the drain valve to drain. Close the valve and add about 1 gallon of water and a tank deodorizer to aid in digestion and keep the valves moist. Use RV friendly toilet paper to avoid costly holding tank damage.

    Buildup of solids in a holding tank can be broken down by adding distilled vinegar. A bag of ice poured down the toilet, just before driving, will aid in breaking down solids by the cubes sloshing around while driving.

    Never use the trailer jacks, landing gear or leveling systems to change a tire. Always use jack stands or supports to secure a jacked vehicle

    .Always unplug the RV and disconnect batteries before any welding on a RV.

    We hope this information will help you avoid future failures and make your trip more enjoyable. Additional information is available at https://rvsafety.com or you can contact us at (850)866-6999 or visit https://rvtrax.com

     

    You can Relax when you call RV Trax

  • Winterizing The Fresh Water System

    Winterizing the Fresh Water System

    Protecting the RV plumbing system from freezing is important to avoid costly repairs. Below is a list of a few items required and the procedures to perform this service.

    1. Two to three gallons of non-toxic RV/Marine Anti Freeze. Length and layout of the RV determines the amount required.
    2. A Tank Wand or a Built In Flushing System to flush the holding tanks if not already equipped.
    3. A Water Pump Converter Kit or tubing to connect to the Water Pump inlet
    4. A few basic tools to aid in installation and removal of drain plugs.

    Read the RV owners manual to follow proper winterizing procedures for the recreational vehicle.

     

    1. Disconnect water supply.
    2. Remove and bypass any inline water filters.
    3. Drain the fresh water holding tank.
    4. Drain and flush the Gray and Black Water holding tanks.
    5. Verify the water heater is cold and turned off. Remove the drain plug and drain the water heater. Open the relief valve to aid in quicker draining.
    6. Open all hot and cold water faucets including the outside shower and toilet if equipped.
    7. Locate and open the low point water drains.
    8. Turn on the fresh water pump to help flush the remaining water out the lines. Turn it back off when water flow has stopped.
    9. Close all faucets and drains.
    10. Install the Water Heater Bypass Kit (if not equipped) and bypass the water heater. This is required to save many gallons of the non toxic Anti Freeze.
    11. Install the fresh water converter kit to the fresh water pump inlet or tubing as required, if not already equipped.
    12. Install the suction tube from the converter kit to the pump into a gallon jug of the Anti Freeze. Turn on the water pump and allow the fresh water system to pressurize. Periodically replace the antifreeze jug when the solution gets low. Starting at the closest faucet to the pump, slowly open the hot and cold valves until the colored Anti Freeze expels from the fixture. Close the valves. Continue this procedure for each fixture working away from the pump. Do not forget the toilet and outside shower, if equipped. If a washer machine and dish washer is in the unit, turn the units on in the cold and hot water modes to fill the valves with anti freeze.
    13. Consult the owners manual for ice maker winterizing techniques.
    14. Pour a cup of antifreeze down each drain and in the toilet to aid in preventing freezing of the drain lines and holding tank.

     

    The RV is now completely winterized for the cold season.

     

    See the article De-Winterizing to place unit back into service.

  • First Post

    Welcome to RV Trax education.

    On this site, we will be discussing and educating you about all aspects of Recreational Vehicle ownership, including buying a new or used RV, troubleshooting, operations and maintenance of the RV and all the appliances and accessories for all Recreational Vehicles, Travel Trailers, Fifth Wheels, Toy Haulers, Motor Homes and Campers.