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j anthony says
I think we should hear more about the people younger than 55 and how they enjoy camping. Everything seems to be geared to RV’s as Motor Homes and not the
trailers. I personally find the people who are in the trailers friendlier than the people in Motor homes or even 5th wheels. They seem to be a status symbol with these people and there are many trailer folks who have money also. Just my feeling tonight. Have a nice day and stay warm
Ray Robinson says
My Dimplex Electric Fireplace in my fifth Wheel RV, will not stay in it keeps cutting off, it lightup okay just mo heat
Thanks
Kathy O says
I wish the rv sites were wider.
Marlan at Rv52 says
great feedback. Thx!
Fredrick Howard Ramsay says
This web that Marlin has is excellent. I have been full time RVing with my Brother for the past three years. Now back in Virginia as a full time Home Dweller (Real House on the Chesapeake Bay). Now selling my RV Rig (Travel Trailer and Converted Ford Box Truck into a very plush customized Motor Home) My Brother and I have traveled all over the western part of the USA ending up in South Texas Oil Fields working as Gate Guards on the Big Oil Drilling Rigs. Very exciting employment, Free Camping plus $135.00 per day for a 24 Hour Day. Best of Luck to all of you RVers. Respectfully FH Ramsay, A True and Honorable Virginia Gentleman. Thank You Marlin
Fredrick Howard Ramsay says
Hey Marlan, Where is my Sales Contract promised when I sign onto this WEB SITE ? ? ?
Marlan at Rv52 says
You should have gotten a link that allows you to recreate it whenever you want. I’ll contact you separately.
Marlan at Rv52 says
Thanks for the kind words.
Mike Roberts says
My biggest problem is locating a fully reliable and honest service repair shop. There are far too many “amaturers” and unscrupulous people in this business.
Marlan at Rv52 says
Thanks for your “biggest problem”. I would have to agree that finding someone better than an amateur is pretty tough.
LiveWorkDream says
I don’t have any complaint about the lifestyle, but I do wish that the RV industry would find a way to entice more intelligent and capable individuals to become RV techs. There’s a real lack of professionalism in the repair industry, it’s very sad.
coleen mcgrath says
you have very informative and useful easy to understand presentations, thank you I plan on utilizing it alot
Bill Patterson Fort Worth Texas Fuzion FZ412 says
Thanks so much
TO: everyone out there
HOHOHO Merry Christmas not Happy Holidays Happy Holidays are for the Politically Correct HOTELLERS and MOTELLARS
Love and joy come to you,
And to you your wassail, too,
And God bless you, and send you
A Happy New Year,
And God send you a Happy New Year.
The Wassail Song unlike other Christmas carols does not celebrate the nativity. The Wassail Song celebrates the New Year!
“Wassail” is an olde English word for a toast similar to “Good Health” and the wassail is the content of the glass or goblet ( spiced or mulled wine or ale).
12 yr scotch can be substituted
The author of the lyrics is unknown but the tradition of going wassailing dates back to 12th century England. The composer of the music to the wassail song is also unknown.
So Wassail to you and your family!!
conversally Twassail or rvwassail would mean a toast to Good Trailering or RVing to you
US RVers are good Toasters and always have good Wassail on board
PEACE to All
Carol Donaldson says
First time RVer – haven’t yet purchased truck (decided on Tacoma TRD Off-Road) (need 4WD to get out of driveway in snowy weather, even though we don’t have “that much” in North Georgia) or Trailer (leaning toward Shasta or K-Z). I will buy at least by October or sooner if I get a great deal. >>> As a 70 yr old, I’m concerned about learning how to back up my Trailer. <<< {I would consider a Class B if I could get a New one with 4WD for less than $50,000.}
Edie says
Our biggest problem was storage…we were full-time for 7 years and left stuff from the West Coast to the East Coast. Every place we worked we ended up divesting ourselves of “stuff” we thought we had to have. We do not have another home so no place to leave things so really had to be brutal. However, we found that RVing was really a self-contained entitiy so we weren’t going to need these things unless we returned to land living and then I’d want new stuff anyway :) Still it would be nice not to have to dig through things to find something…perhaps a class in organization is all I needed.
kathy says
have a 1998 dodge leisure van freedom and when i let sink running it is draining under rug under drivers seat ? also when i turned on out side shower i found hot water soaking rug by double doors going in van.I turned off pump and water running it stopped of course .What should i look at to find the problem?
Marlan at Rv52 says
A few simple pointers about water. First, you can’t get over a certain amount of water pressure on your RV system. If you do the fittings will leak very easily. I would not do more than 45-50psi. Here is a pre-made search on Amazon for rv water pressure limiters. http://amzn.to/1r5XkST
Even when you do that, RV fittings are subject to large daily temperature fluctuations because RVs change temp more quickly than houses. Combine that with moving vibration and you have a formula for always having fittings that loosen and cause leaks.
As much as you might want a magic bullet, I don’t think there is any magic bullet. The only way to find a leak is to hunt it down with a flashlight AND using your hand to find wet pipes. Remember, the leaks will 99% of the time be at the FITTINGS, but you can find the pipe that is leaking by identifying which one is wet.
So get your flashlight charged up, put a little water pressure on the system and go looking for the leak one pipe at a time.
On your sink, that sounds a bit easier – as you describe it – you can probably limit your search to looking for leaks in the drain from the sink. You MIGHT get lucky if the leak is right at the bottom of the sink where the sink drain connects to the drain pipe. Honestly that would be too easy.
One other thing – the smallest drip over the course of a day will turn into a big wet spot. So there are no acceptable levels of leak. Never underestimate a tiny drip.
Terrence says
Please explain how a mfgr can get away with putting tires on a trailer that are rated for the weight……. Empty! The second the dealer did me the “courtesy” of filling my water tank it was over limit for the tires! Feel like i got ripped off…. Technically my tire warranty is void!
Marlan at Rv52 says
RVs are a great deal more like buying a house from a builder than buying a car/truck. They have fairly limited government oversight (which honestly is a good thing or no one could afford them). They build them to spec limits. I don’t think there is much any of us can do. You’d have to request such things as an option. But even if you got the tires right there is still the axle limits and most RVs have a fairly limited carrying capacity – unless you spend the money to make sure.
Bob Mendenhall says
Hi,
I hope you can help me. I have a 1999 Fleetwood Wilderness 5th wheel and I think I have a converter problem. My 1st problem is that I can’t find it!! the fuse panel doesn’t want to pry out – – it’s not under the refrigerator There is a panel under the bah sink that I removed the screws and partly lifted up in order to see under – – no luck (it’s just above the fuse panel. Can you help??
Thank You,
Bob Mendenhall
Marlan at Rv52 says
Hello Bob. Did you find my how to page here: http://rv52.wpengine.com/how-to-video/how-to-all-about-converters/
Power converters are a “box” with a 110VAC cord and plug on one end and a connector for 12V on the other. I found mine mounted in the RV basement behind a little sliding door. It was next to the furnace. The power cord snaked up to the fusebox which was under a step (or riser) on the stairs that lead up to the area above the hitch.
Alex says
My biggest beef is the RV Parks that advertise “Big Rig Friendly” and have a hard time accommodating a 40 ft motorhome with 4 slides.
Jim lEE says
I have a 2011 PUMA 26 RLSS. It has a bad slide motor. How do I take the motor our to replace it?
Thank You in advance,
Jim lee
Marlan at Rv52 says
Jim – that sounds like a dealer or RV repair person question. I’ll try to look around for specific videos on this.
Marlan
Mary Cassidy says
I had hoped to find out information about campground availability at Sheep Creek Lodge. Hoping to rent a camper or RV in Anchorage
Marlan at Rv52 says
You’ll need to call Sheep Creek Lodge directly.
James Knoch says
I have no BGM or Complaints with my 2014 Jayco 287BHBE. It has been a very reliable and issue free trailer. I suppose one thing for all RV owners would be if a nationwide lemon law could be passed to force the RV manufacturers to stand behind their products. I routinely read the Forest River Owner Forums and see daily horror stories of failures and poor customer service. It would seem some consumer protection should exist to protect the consumers.
Lauri C says
In the process of acquiring a rig (probably a toy hauler). Just gathering as many facts as possible!!
Thanks!
CK says
My spouse and I are going to be going full time. We are in are 30’s and would like to do this indefinitely.
Eventually we will live between our rv and our catamaran sailboat.
If we have a nice A or a C plus will we really be looked at as snobs who just have a “status symbol”?
If so why? Why can’t people just all be happy for one another? If my provost is older and certainly not a nice as a brand new one I don’t look at the owner of the brand new one any different. Until I meet them I can’t make a judgement. Why is everyone so close minded?
I thought the rv commmunity was an open minded, helping bunch of individuals??? Am I wrong?
Should I settle for less than I want/can have just because of what others will think?
Should I get a 34 foot catamaran instead of my 72 foot? Why???? If we are happy, nice people what does it matter what we have????
Marlan at Rv52 says
Everyone always has an opinion.
If you live your life based on what other people think, then you probably need to look inside yourself.
If you live your life based on what you want to experience and find the most joy, then what other people think is immaterial.
RVers are just people like everyone else with all the accompanying imperfections. The ONE thing I have noticed though is most RVers are on vacation and generally in a good spirit.
Figure out what you want to do and get the equipment that supports it and be unapologetic.
Pam Dooley says
We are in the planning stages to buy an RV and would like to pick the brains of people who are full-time RVers.
Carolyn says
WHAT SIZE ARE MY DUAL LP TANKS IN MY 1998 Carriage Carrilite 5th wheel 529RK. Owners Manuel and spec sheet lost in hurricane. I am desperate. I’m almost out of LP and no one will fill these tanks, as they are too old I need to replace them but I don’t know what size to order from Amazon.
Marlan at Rv52 says
Carolyn, Can you post the dimensions here – like the height and the diameter or circumference. My GUESS without seeing anything would be that they are seven gallon tanks.
David says
My #1 issue in RVing is Boondocking in North East.
Terry says
We have a 1998 Pace Arrow with a problem with the slide out not going out without us having to push on it. Can you tell us what to do
Terry says
We are also having trouble with the heat & air. One works, then the other one won’t come on.
Marlan at Rv52 says
I’m wondering if maybe it needs some lubrication? You push to get it over the hump and then inertia carries the day. I see that lubrication seems to be about the #1 thing to suspect first.
A 2nd theory, based on how air conditioners work, is that their might be be some form of “kicker” capacitor that went bad. I don’t know if that would exist on an older Pace or not, but I just put it out there.
Marlan at Rv52 says
If your 12 volt circuit is weak, it could be messing with the thermostat which is 12 volt dc. When our power converter was going out the thermostat 12 volt failed and the air would not work – even though the air conditioner is powered off of the shore power (120V ac).
Kathy Pyeatt says
I am looking for a light weight rv, I am older, an artist, love to camp & paint on location (plei n air).
Kathy Pyeatt says
I am looking for a light weight rv, I am older, an artist, love to camp & paint on location (plei n air).
Marlan at Rv52 says
Did you take my quiz? http://rv52.com/all-about-rvs/what-rv-is-right-for-me/
Might give you some insight and confidence as well as some ideas. We are pretty happy with our Tiny Texas Tumbleweed. (use the search on my home page)
Jennifer Whittey-Goodenow says
We cannot find the reset button on our fifth wheel Layton Deluxe by Skyline (2000). We search high and low and still could not find it. Where one find the reset button?
Where can we find a repair manual?
Marlan at Rv52 says
Reset button? What are you resetting? 5th Wheel owners manuals aren’t very useful. I’m happy to dialog with you here. Also you might find an online RV mechanic here: http://rv52.com/rvhelp
Meomyowow says
I have no complaints
dave crossley says
looking into rving………….have alot of ideas about what wife and i want…..interested in any ideas and feed back…my main direction is NO slides.
Marlan at Rv52 says
Take my lifestyle quiz if you want. Sheri and I have had 1 big slide, another with 5 slides, and now we have none.
Warren says
I have a 2016 42 ft. Open Range four slides. Nice unit. But it’s the water valve that confuse me. First of all I’m winterizing the unit. The diagram says turn red lever to the left to bypass the water heater, then it says to winterized all levers point down. So I tried this out last winter and I got antifreeze in my hot water tank. So what do I do first go left or go straight down. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you
Donna Leedon says
DC
I NEED A PLACE TO LIVE ASAP I’M IN A TENT .AND ITS NOT GOOD FOR ME PLEASE HELP!!!!I HAVE COPD ON OXYGEN 24/7…
Marlan at Rv52 says
Donna – I think you need to go to your local city or state office ASAP and ask for help. I don’t think a website like RV52.com can help.
Marlan at Rv52 says
I think there are some people that think you should put (non toxic of course) a little anti-freeze in your hot water heater. I think when you set the valves for winterize they’ll take anti-freeze from the spigot and send it everywhere.
Then there are some people who think you only need antifreeze in the plastic piping and probably especially P-traps where your low water drains couldn’t help – I think BYPASS does this without putting antifreeze in your hot water heater.
Here is the page with the picture of the valves and their settings: https://rv52.com/esco-convenience-center-settings-for-open-range-rv/
Sharon Shehayeb says
Brand new at this, just purchased 2017 Aliner Ranger 10. The redbridge barley cooks on elect. & is a little better (not much) on LP. Plus trying to make sure I do all the right things when I set up camp and break to leave. So much to do! I never did before, husband did it on our R V. While I took care of the inside. Now I have to do it all and make sure it’s right. I know I’ll learn it all eventually but until then. Pray for me. Read my manual but still not all that clear. Thanks for listening. Sharon
Marlan at Rv52 says
You’re going to do great. People make it seem harder than it is. The big thing is just to make sure everything is disconnected (or connected) so you don’t have an unfortunate accident/repair. But if you just take your time and check everything 2x and run through your common sense filter you’ll do fine. Good luck! Good hearing from you.
Dale Watkins says
Nice to see a large assortment of different RV owners on here! To the guy above that feels us Motorhome Owners have them for a status symbol…nothing could be further from the truth! Ours is in good shape, but it’s ten years old, and we’ve had everything from a tent, to a truck/camper, travel trailer and now after retirement, find a motorhome and towed car behind should work best for us, and I say this, as we just got our motorhome a few months ago. Of things that bother me, to start with are the RV Park owners in the south that think anything ’10 years or older’ isn’t allowed in their park…needs to understand, that if you only want the ‘Elite’ in your park, you are missing out on the ‘quality’ individuals that own older units, but quite possibly have a much better personality than those with their Million $$ units! I personally don’t care what other choices people have made with regard to which RV they’ve chosen, as we’re all individuals with individual likes/dislikes! This lifestyle can be made to be exceptionally memorable, not for the RV we have, but the people we meet along the way! We want to boon-dock as often as we can, so I’d personally like to gain as much knowledge on ‘solar’ and ‘batteries’ along with the rest of the hardware needed for it all to work in harmony! I really would love to buy Lithium batteries as well, but the price point at the moment far exceeds what most of us that don’t full-time can fit in our budgets. Always looking to meet others, as each day we’re one day older, and we only have a finite amount of days in this life…so let’s just have fun!
Marlan at Rv52 says
Great feedback Dale! Thanks for taking a look at RV52!
jerry fletcher says
I’m looking at a 1988 Rockford with w/ a 3208 diesel motor, CAT, and Allison transmission.
According to the owner NOW very low mileage but from what I saw was well taken care of. Could you share some knowledge on the motor and how well they hold up please? I’m nervous about the motor and transmission, if it breaks, it breaks me…I’m retired and want to travel some.
Thank you,
Jerry Fletcher
Boaz, Al
Charles l bell says
Can not find a manual for my slide out on my motor home A trade wind by national a2001
Louis Duvernet says
Finding parts used by manufacturer originally no longer available from them. Parts like gm,Ford & others used on our motor homes.
Marlan at Rv52 says
Thanks. How do you find them now? Do you have a specialty site?
Jon Jones says
I do my own work, finding good used parts is a big problem here in Oklahoma.
bruce chapman says
One thing that bothers me about the tv show going rv and on websites is none of them hardly ever talk about the weight of the unit loaded and unloaded. Also in regards to having solar the weight of the batteries is of great concern to me Thank you for great site and information
Marlan at Rv52 says
Very easy to be overweight unless you are a big big bus! Or maybe a toy hauler.
Greg Hemstreet says
My biggest issue so far (I’ve only had my RV for 6 months) is showing up with an RV reservation and finding that the site isn’t level enough for my motorhome. I find that a lot of campsites don’t specify grade and I either have to pick a site blind of that knowledge or the RV park assigns the site without regards to my motorhome’s size. I bought a new 2019 Tiffin Allegro RED (38′) in June 2019 so I’ve not had many mechanical issues yet but this leveling and grade issue seems to be a real limiting factor.
Annette says
I just bought a 1975 Layton Travel Travel. First one I have ever had and I would like the manual.
Marlan at Rv52 says
Good luck with that. Manuals for old RVs are pretty hard to come by.
Karen Nowlin says
Hello, Trying to find manual for my 2002 skyline travel trailer. I know it was built in Hemet Ca. Can you help. I can’t figure out the Slide out water or just how to do things. I’am 64 year old female wanting to get full use of my trailer. Thank you
Marlan at Rv52 says
Hello Karen,
I feel your pain!
I did write an article addressing the users manual issue: https://rv52.com/rv-owners-manual-owners-manuals-bad/
I also TRIED to write an eBook which tries to HELP understand the components of an RV a little bit better: https://amzn.to/2XYzTyj
You can probably get nearly ANY users manual for a towable RV and most will be about the same in most respects.
Most RV ranges operate the same.
Most RV AC operate the same.
Towing concepts are the same.
Most RV fridges work the same way.
Anyway, this is my 2cents. Hope it helps.
Good luck!
Laura Kostelec says
Just would like to see larger sites in all Campgrounds
Cary Burns says
I’m looking for information on how to get connected to the internet and streaming when we’re on the road and not in areas with WiFi connections? Currently all we have is antenna and no smart TVs but I anticipate that I will be replacing the TV’s with smart TVs.
Marlan at Rv52 says
Hello Cary – I have not found too many good solutions. The BEST solution that I have seen to date is using your phone’s LTE connection and then displaying your phone’s display on a big TV. The reason this works is that at least SOME of the LTE vendors (T-Mobile for example) has truly unlimited video viewing for SOME apps. It is POSSIBLE that even if you go over the limits on SOME LTE vendors that instead of throttling your speeds, they will put your packets BEHIND others in priority. On a lightly loaded tower that will have little effect on you. In MOST other situations I’ve found the cellular or satellite solutions to have bandwidth limits. It has been a little while since I searched, but hopefully this can help.
Marc Goldstone says
I want to eliminate the in gray/black tank resistive sensors connecting externally mounted capacitive sensors. My Coachmen RV provides no documentation on the existing system that may be as simple as a resistor in series with the 2/3 and 1/3 sensors and comparators monitoring the voltage at the display panel which drive the level display LEDs. Does anyone have information that woudl help me interface to the existing display panel without a lot of experimentation?
Marlan at Rv52 says
Hi Marc. I don’t have that kind of information. Sounds like a great project.
Larry says
Winterization directions for a liner expedition.