Captivate Podcasts

Hello, This is Eric Stark the host of Radio Arizona RV, the podcast for the DIY. I have some great news to share with you. The show is undergoing a rebranding and reformatting and will relaunch on Friday, Dec 3rd.  Who is the new show for? The show will now have something for most RV’ers. 

In episode 88 Eric Stark goes over the different types of trailer tires and potential problems that may arise with them. Eric will explain in depth why certain tires are better for your trailer and what are the common causes/signs of potential blowouts. You’ll learn proper care for your tires to help increase safety, overall

In episode 87 Eric walks us through proper maintenance and care for our RV’s air conditioner. You’ll also hear an update on the state of the RV parts industry given the continued global impact of the pandemic. You’ll be guided through step-by-step (and in detail) how to maintain and care for your RV’s air conditioner.

In episode 86 Eric discusses what happened with Atwood water heaters and why you can’t find them anymore. If you’ve been wondering why you can’t find any Atwood water heaters or their parts, Eric will help enlighten you as to what happened and what to do moving forward. This is the first Radio Arizona RV

In episode 85 Eric goes in-depth on cellphone signal boosters and answers the question often asked, “Do cellphone signal boosters even work?” You’ll hear an update on the current state of the RV parts industry during the pandemic, and what you should do if you are looking to buy parts. Eric will also answer a

In episode 84 Eric welcomes new RV owners by giving tips and advice on what to do upon becoming an RV owner. There is a lot that goes into owning and maintaining an RV and researching online isn’t always a surefire way to learn the best ways to do something or even reasonable ways of

In episode 83 Eric walks us through diagnosing problems with Atwood water heaters. More specifically Eric will cover 12 volt (or LP) systems and 120 volt systems, both before and after 2004. He’ll be going through step by step explaining each part, how to check everything, and understanding how everything works and relates to the

In episode 82 Eric walks us through diagnosing problems with Suburban Water Heaters. More specifically Eric will cover 110-volt system and propane (or 12 volts) systems found on Suburban Water Heaters. He’ll be going through step by step explaining how everything works, what should be happening, and how it relates to the overall system. Learning

In episode 81 Eric walks us through how RV furnaces work and how to diagnose problems with them. Eric will take you step by step through each part of your furnace system while detailing any potential problems that may arise at each stop along the way. Furnaces are just like any other appliances on your

In episode 80 Eric talks about saving money on buying diesel fuel by using the Mudflap app. Mudflap isn’t just for people who own an RV it’s for anyone who uses diesel fuel. By using the Mudflap app at select gas stations you will be able to save up to 50 cents per gallon on

In episode 79 Eric talks about 10 reasons why we are typically hesitant in pulling the trigger on RV repairs and how to overcome them. It’s often very easy to fall into these traps and remain complacent while problems are becoming worse and worse. Eric will talk you through the common areas we all get

In episode 78 Eric discusses how interchangeable RV awning parts are. It’s been tough finding the proper parts for your RV due to covid-19 and Eric has been asked a lot recently what if any parts are interchangeable when it comes to RV awnings. You’ll learn what parts are okay to swap and what parts

In episode 77 Eric answers the question: “Why can’t I find my RV tail and clearance lights when I go to an RV store?” Finding replacement RV tail lights should be easy, but as Eric will tell you brands, makes, and models will come and go. You’ll learn what to when you can’t find your

In episode 76 Eric goes through the process of winterizing your RV. You’ll also hear an update on how covid-19 is affecting the RV industry and what you should do in the current climate. Eric will go over everything in a nearly step by step process of winterizing your RV. With winter quickly approaching taking

In episode 75 Eric reviews the Energizer Arc5 portable power station. You may remember Eric talking about this last week as the past two podcast recordings have been completely powered by the Arc5. He’ll go over all of the important specifications and his experiences with using the Arc5 over the past couple of weeks. It

In episode 74 Eric does the dirty work and discusses black and grey RV water holding tanks. You’ll learn everything involved in maintaining and making sure you prevent any possible issues regarding your RV holding tanks. He explains the differences between your two tanks and what the exact process is to make sure each tank

In episode 73 Eric discusses RV power cords and 110-volt adapters. Eric gives a follow up to previous topics such as properly greasing and caring for your wheel bearings, and reexamines statements regarding never buying products from certain companies again. You’ll hear a covid-19 update in regards to the RV parts industry and an important

In episode 72 Eric dives into how to properly maintain your motorhome chassis to help prevent issues down the road. You’ll hear an update on the state of the RV industry during the covid-19 pandemic and what you should do if you need parts. Keeping mileage and date records for your parts is just as

In episode 71 Eric talks about trailer chassis maintenance, whether it’s a travel trailer, a fifth wheel, or any number of other trailers, all the principles will still apply. You’ll learn how important and helpful keeping mileage and date records will allow you to be on top of problems before they arise. Eric will give

In episode 70 Eric let’s you know the best brands to buy from when searching for inverter style generators. Eric goes through a list of a lot of current day brands currently making inverter style generators and talks about who has been making the most reliable and best products in the current market. You’ll learn

In episode 69 Eric gives a definitive answer on fixing the popping noise that can happen with hydraulic leveling systems. Eric goes through each step from making sure all hydraulics are retracted, to finding your hydraulics reservoir and replacing some of the fluids with fork oil, to precautionary measures and making sure the fluids are

In episode 68 Eric reviews the biggest names in RV toilets and what to look for to find the right toilet for you and your RV. Eric gives a COVID-19 update from the perspective of the RV parts industry and gives advice for what to do in the coming weeks and months. Eric will discuss

In episode 67 Eric focuses on the cost-effectiveness and benefits of owning sun shades for your RV. With hotter temperatures already arriving, blocking out the sun and heat will help make your summer all the more enjoyable. Eric also gives an update on the current state of finding and obtaining RV parts through the COVID-19

In episode 66 Eric continues where he left off from the last episode to talk more specifically about RV slide out awnings. He explains why it’s a good idea to call or talk to someone before ordering a slide-out awning, due to how easy it is to order the wrong one and to prevent the

In episode 65 Eric gives a comprehensive guide to everything you need to know about RV awnings. He takes a look at each of the current best companies in the RV awning business, Dometic, Solera, and Carefree of Colorado with an evaluation on how they’ve been running while considering the covid-19 crisis. Eric will give

In episode 64 Eric discusses the Micro Air EasyStart, a product that makes an air conditioner start easier and allows it to run on a smaller generator. It’s a newer product that works well at what it does and can potentially save you the hassle of getting a larger generator. It helps eliminate the issues

In episode 63 Eric helps you figure out if buying a Hughes autoformer is the right choice for you and your RV. If you’ve already been considering purchasing power surge protector and have worried about possible low voltage issues, it’s definitely something to consider. Eric also implores you to consider if you will be dry

In episode 62 Eric discusses deep cycle batteries and the comparisons with the newer lithium-ion batteries for your RV. Batteries are an often overlooked but important part of keeping your RV running the best it can for as long as it can. Eric explains his experiences with different brands of batteries he’s used and the

In episode 61 Eric emphasizes the importance of backup camera systems and how valuable they are not just for safety while backing up but moving forward as well. Eric discusses and reviews the Haloview brand of camera systems in-depth, from functionality to installation and everything in between. Increased visibility, ease of use/installation, and above all

In episode 60 Eric gives advice on upgrading your RV’s furniture to make it feel more comfy. As a follow up to the previous episode’s question (Do you enjoy your RV?) Eric takes a closer look at how and where to find RV specific furniture that will drastically improve your experience and comfort with your

Do You Enjoy Your RV? In Episode 59 Eric asks an important and often taken for granted question: Do you enjoy your RV? Listen as he takes a deep dive into ways you can improve your RV experience and make it feel more comfy and like you are at home. Whether it be minor things like

Full Show Transcript: This is Eric Stark with Radio Arizona RV. It’s about six o’clock in the morning on a Thursday. It’s snowing this morning. What a better day to talk about electrical systems in RVs. And the real question is whether to take it to a dealership, to a repair facility, or just tackle

RV Water Lines and Pex Fittings! Eric talks about what RV Water Lines and Pex Type Fittings you should keep as spares in your RV. Pex is a broad term covering the RV Fresh Water System. A water leak can happen at anytime and being prepared to fix it whether the RV is in your

Winegard Transcript: Hey everybody. This is Eric Stark with Radio Arizona RV. Today’s episode is episode number 56 we’re going to be talking about Winegard TV Antennas and a little bit about King Satellite Dishes, a particular model of King satellite dish, Winegard Antennas are pretty popular. It’s been the RV Antenna staple for decades

RV Maintenance Tips for the DIY! In Episode 56 I explain the importance of understanding how your Power Awning can be retracted in an emergency. The emergency is usually when you want to leave in your RV and the Power Awning won’t come in. That poses a real problem. I break it down by the

In Episode 54 I have Keith Bernard on the show and we discuss water filters for RV’s. Keith is an expert in this field and is the owner of Clear 2O water filtration systems. I have always been a firm believer in filtered water and I have often brought bottled water with me on trips

Episode 53 (part 2) is all About Go Power Solar and as an added bonus Mark Spillsbury from Go Power Solar is my guest. Go Power Solar has been in the RV Solar Panel game for about 23 years making Go Power one of the first Solar companies to become a main stream solar supplier

GO Power Solar Interview Part 1 Episode 52 (part 1) is all About Go Power Solar and as an added bonus Mark Spillsbury from Go Power Solar is my guest. Go Power Solar has been in the RV Solar Panel game for about 23 years making Go Power one of the first Solar companies to

Follow These Steps to Get Your RV Reay For Winter Storage In Episode 51 I go over the essential maintenance steps that every RV’er needs to do to get ready for Winter if they live where it snows and or freezes. Even if you don’t need to do an official winterizing project for the winter

Episode 50 was produced out of frustration that companies make products that in my opinion are a dis-service to the RV Community and a frustration to the end user or the RV’er. As I said this is my opinion! The subject matter for today’s episode is a RV Awning Fabric that I will call Brand

Purchasing a used RV, Travel Trailer or 5th Wheel etc…In episode 49 I explain why it is so important to thoroughly check out an RV before purchasing regardless of how good the deal might seam to be. There are many things to check out – there are companies that provide this service -They might be pricey.

Hopkins Levelers Hopkins Level System Valterra Stackers Valterra Stabilizer Pads Super Dolly RV Pads In Episode 48 I dig into stabilizing pads for Trailers and Fifth Wheels and the difference between Plastic and Wood Pads for placing underneath the stabilizer legs. I don’t get into Motorhome leveling systems or the type pads they would use.

Today in Episode 47 I get into the basic leveling for 5th Wheel Trailers and Travel Trailers. Most trailers come with 4 stabilizers, one in each corner of the trailer. Fifth Wheels will usually have a stabilizer in each rear corner and the landing gear in the front of the trailer. The stabilizers are for stabilizing

Untangling the Confusion about RV Sewer Hoses In Episode 46 I try to untangle some of the confusion when replacing your RV Sewer Hose. The reason why the title of the podcast uses the word Untangle is due to the confusion that can happen when you go into an RV Parts Store. As you gaze

RV Black Water Holding Tank Maintenance ↓ When it comes to maintaining your RV Black Water Holding Tank, there are many opinions out there. In Episode 45, I give a little history lesson on Holding Tank Chemicals and how they have evolved and made their way onto the shelves of an RV Store near you. More

↓There can be a fair amount of confusion about the best way to store an RV Battery during the off season. In this episode I break it down to simplify the process and make some nice product recommendations along the way. In most scenarios the RV’er is storing his battery during the cold winter months and typically

In Episode 43 I break down purchasing either an Adco or Classic RV Cover for storing your RV, Travel Trailer or Fifth Wheel in challenging climates. I am only going to spend time talking about Adco and Classic RV covers because they are mainly in the RV Cover business and have great reputations. I have

In Episode 42 I discuss the 4 Major Brands of RV Power Converters that are commonly found in most RV’s providing power to the RV’s 12 volt system. This an interesting topic due to the similariteis of each power converter. Also, all 4 brands boast great products, excellent customer service and a very small defective/return rate.

Episode 41 – This episode is about simple repairs that can keep your vacation on track. I recap some of the recent conversations I have had with customers about certain maintenance items that can ruin a trip if not taken care of. We are in fire season in many parts of the country and rather than be

Episode 40 – I cover some ground on the move to Montana and explain why I bought so many new tires for the move. My Toy Hauler tires just made it to the tire shop 10 miles from my house. The Utility trailer tires didn’t make it out of driveway. There were lot of things

Episode 39 covers RV UV-LED Water Filtration as the newest technology to provide Clean Pure Drinking Water in any RV at a an affordable price. We sell the Acuva brand RV LED Water Filter System. This system completely remove all of the nasty things in water that other systems can’t remove. Call us for prices.

In Episode 38 I do a brief update on our move to Victor, MT and spend most of the show talking about prepping for summer and some of the important basics that go along with vacation prep. Everybody has their own routines that match their RV and that usually works so, I just give some

We are moving to Victor Montana! Yes, that is correct, we are relocating to Victor Montana in the middle of May 2018. Due to family illness Karen and I have decided the best thing to do is move to Montana so she can be closer to her mom in the the last months of her

In this episode I cover the essentials of what type of sealants to use on your RV. I briefly cover what is needed for a Rubber Roof because I have done a previous on sealing a rubber roof and the Sealants I recommend are made by Dicor, they specialize in rubber roofs. I also am

 Not sure of what tools you should carry in your RV Tool Box? As an RV’er you never know when your RV is going to need a repair whether it is on the road or camping at your favorite get away. The one thing you do know is that you will experience problems that will

Episode 34 is about Solera RV Awnings by Lippert Components and the quality that has made Solera my new favorite RV Awning. In the past I expressed a low opinion of Lippert Components and now I changed my view point as time has passed. Not only have they become a better company, they are providing a

Ford V10 Engine Rebuild Due to Spark Plugs Blowing Out! In this episode I explain the Spark Plug problem that Ford V10 Engines experience and how a spark plug problem turned into an engine rebuild on a Ford E350 Super Duty Van. I explain the overall process I went through and why I did it. I

Episode 32 explores the possibilities of using new technology to make computing in an RV easier while expanding potential possibilities. See the simple way to add a second monitor to any PC or Mac. The living space in an RV can become a little tight at times and being able to use a Compact Wireless

Epsisode 31 breaks down the basic Annual or as needed maintenance for RV Water Heaters. Atwood and Suburban need to have the Tanks Flushed, Anode Rods replaced and the Pressure Relief Valves replaced as needed. I delve into each area for Atwood and Suburban Water Heaters on what to check, how often and the tools

You have this Saturday marked on you calendar to do some long needed repairs on your RV. Do you shop at the Local RV Parts Store or go online and try to snag a super deal and have the parts in time for the Saturday set aside to get the RV ready for the next trip?

In this Episode I answer the questions Randy submitted via email. My rig is a 50 amp, 2 a/c units and wondering what I would need for a generator to operate 5th wheel safely when we are away from campgrounds and what brand. Ok another question, don’t know if you deal with tires. My new

In this Episode Eric Stark explains in simple terms the steps you should take to get an accurate price quote and what brand Eric prefers. Eric also explains why there could large gaps in price quotes if you are price shopping. Some points might seem to be elementary but I base my information on and

Today we see that the automotive industry does everything in it’s power to build a better product and provide a customer service experience that will make you want to be a loyal customer. Where as, the RV Industry is building RV’s with more electronics and taking advantage of new technologies and giving the perception of

The purchase of Power Gear by Lippert Components took place in June of 2014 and has resulted in a decline in customer service for dealers and RV’ers alike. Power Gear was a good company to work with before being purchased by Lippert Components. Although Power Gear did raise their prices substantially before the purchase. We

The big deal about the small projector is that you can connect it to just about any Computer, iPad, iPod, iPhone and Android device with simple and inexpensive adapters. You have the technology to connect to an awesome projector. Here is the other plus to using a projector. You can now get out of the

Sniff n Stop is a product that works and in this Episode I break down how well it works based on my own personal experience with it. Sniff n Stop is distributed by Valterra Products to the RV Industry and they offer some of the best products in the industry and Valterra is an honest and

In this Episode I talk about safety and how to Identify and explain what you are looking for when you go to the parts guy. Quite often the terminology makes it hard for you to explain and harder for the Parts Guy to see your vision. I lay it out in simple terms. I also

This is Part 1 of the LP Fitting episodes. The point of this episode is to help RV’ers to keep safety at the forefront when repairing their LP system. The proper tools should always be used along with properly checking for leaks after any repair that is done. The simple way is to use the

RV’ers everywhere stay in well kept, safe and secure RV Parks. Rv’ers everywhere bring their bicycles with them and should take advantage of the security found in most RV Parks. To ride a bike on a busy street takes the fun right out of it and it creates a situation that is not safe nor inviting.

Wasp Action Cameras are nice way to capture those moments on your ATV, 4 Wheel Drive, Pedal Driven Bicycle or whatever your passion is. This is a great product available at reasonable prices. GoPro is the Gold Standard but Wasp is the undisputed Champion for providing quality at affordable prices for the the guy who just

Introducing High Quality Window Awning Fabrics at Low, Affordable Prices. These are available from Sunpro Mfg and come in 7 Solid Colors with a 3 Year Warranty. The high quality 13oz material is will last for many years to come. Sunpro Mfg makes them to fit all Carefree of Colorado and A&E Window Awnings. Low Prices &

This episode is the last of a 3 part series about Repairing, Cleaning and Treating an RV Rubber Roof. Treating the Rubber Roof is the final step of the 3 main steps to Maintaining and Extending the life of the RV Rubber Roof. Treating the Rubber Roof comes in at the end of the cleaning and repair

 If you are going to clean your Rubber Roof you might as well wash your RV at the same time, it is more work but, it is easier to do it all at once in most instances. I recommend using a cleaner that is made for rubber roofs such as Dicors Rubber Roof Cleaner, it

This is Part 1 of a Multi-Part series about Rubber Roof Maintenance and Care.This episode is about Rubber Roof inspections and finding problems before they become disasters. Rubber roofs are a great roof for any kind of RV and there are many reasons why. They do not create Black Streaks, they do not create Mold, the

This Podcast explains why at the beginning of 2015 UPS and Fedex not only raised their rates but, at the same time introduced Dimensional Shipping Rates (DSR). DSR has been created to offset additional shipping costs created by companies like Amazon. Amazon will ship an iPhone in a box that can hold 100 iPhones thus,

Safety First! Have you ever wondered why your LP or CO Detector just starts beeping for no apparent reason? It has died! They have a expiration date and as a safety precaution it lets you know when it is dying and that it is time to replace it. To many people hear a beeping CO

Check Episodes 11 & 12 First – It will make better sense. The decision is yours! A RV Water Filter, Reverse Osmosis system, Water Softener? Do you need any of the aforementioned? Maybe just a Water Filter is all you need? In this episode I will explore the options of the 3 water systems that

Today there are many Portable Water Softeners for the RV’er to choose from. At the end of the day they all virtually do the same thing just some with salt others with potassium. They are pretty simple to hook up and use and store when not in use. A Water Softener does just as its

Reverse Osmosis Systems for RV’s can be a great addition if you have the space for it. For an RV the RO System is the same as a house for the most part, just a little smaller. An RO System is the proven way to remove salt from the water source and gives you fresh salt

Seriously, You Need To Listen to This! Buying an appliance part should not be painful although quite often it is. Taking the right approach and going to the Parts Counter with the right information will simplify this sometimes painful process. Bring your Appliance Model Number to the RV Store and the parts guy should be

The Portable Power Pack is a great tool to have to charge Cell Phones, Tablets, iPads, iPods, iPhones and any other device that requires charging. The best thing is, these Power Packs can jump start a Full Size PU Truck! I was very skeptical when these were first shown to me, I had to see

RV Awning Drops and End Panels are a great way to create an outdoor space that actually expands the living area. You can create a shaded area to enjoy the sunny days or it can double as a wind barrier at night to create a warm space for enjoying the evening. The Awning Drops are easy

Fender Covers are a simple way to cover your RV tires and protect them from the sun. Fender Covers are easier to put on than traditional vinyl tire covers and they look great. Either type of Tire Cover will protect the tires and reduce the potential for failure. Just make sure you cover them. Vinyl Tire

Almost all RVs have a Patio/Main Awning installed to provide cover from the elements. If you are one of the many who enjoy using your RV Awning, you will need to maintain some part of it sooner or later. An awning can function properly for decades or until the parts become obsolete. The fabrics are