Do It Yourself RV Articles

RV Inverters, Demystified: How to Choose the Right Brand, Size, and Features (Without the Headache)
RV Inverters How to Choose the Right Brand, Size, and Features If you’ve ever stood in the aisle (or scrolled online) wondering why RV inverters cost $199 at one place and at another $1,499—this guide is for you. We’ll cut through marketing jargon and help you choose an RV inverter that matches your rig, your

RV Awnings Made Simple: Patio Awnings & Slide-Out Toppers (What to Buy, Why It Matters, and How the Big Brands Compare)
RV Awnings Made Simple RV awnings do more than look good. The right setup expands living space, protects the coach, and keeps you moving—rain or shine—without costly surprises. Below is a straight-talk guide to why awnings matter, which brands lead the U.S. market, what to avoid, and how to choose between electric vs. manual mechanisms

Hughes Power Watchdog Voltage Boosters with Surge Protection
Hughes Power Watchdog 30 & 50 Amp Voltage Booster Power Center ( Formerly Hughes Autoformer) The Hughes Watchdog Power Center is the all-in-one RV power protection system with surge protection, voltage boosting, WiFi/Bluetooth monitoring, and automatic recovery—built to keep your RV safe anywhere you travel. Key Features: Voltage Boosting Technology: Automatically boosts low park voltage

The Essentials of RV Water Pump Troubleshooting
How do I know if my RV Water Pump is not working? There are several key indicators that your RV’s water pump is not working properly, including low water pressure, unusual noises, and the pump running continuously. Water pump type basics: Most RV water pumps are 12 volts, 3 gallons per minute (gpm), and ½”

Money Saving Tips – Heatline Heating Cable Can Save Money and Reduce Headaches
How Heatline RV Heating Cables Save You Money and Protect Your RV from Frozen Water Lines When winter rolls in, one of the biggest challenges RVers face is keeping their water lines from freezing. A frozen water line can quickly turn an enjoyable winter trip into a costly and stressful situation. Whether you’re camping

RV Sewer Hose Supports
https://youtu.be/4zQnEjmMcik For RVers, managing grey and black water discharge is a routine part of life on the road. One often overlooked but very helpful accessory is a sewer hose support. The Camco Rhino (orange) sewer hose support is one of the more popular models out there, known for its bright visibility, ease of use,

Prepping Your RV for Winter Storage in 2025
Prepping For Winter Storage Prepping Your RV for Winter Storage is a crucial process that can save you from expensive repairs come spring. The key is to protect against the three main threats: freezing water, pests, and moisture. Here is a detailed guide on how to properly prepare your RV for winter storage. 1. Prepare

Essential RV Furnace Maintenance Before Winter Hits!
Understanding Your RV Furnace: A Guide to Function and Diagnosis Welcome! This information is designed to give you a foundational understanding of how a typical RV furnace operates, helping you to better diagnose any issues you may encounter. While there are many different models, they all share a similar core function. Most RV furnaces operate

Harnessing the Sun: A Practical Guide to RV Solar Panels
RV Solar Panels and Harnessing The SunFor RVers chasing adventure across wide-open highways and off-grid campsites, one modern upgrade is shining brighter than the rest—solar panels. Not long ago, these systems were considered a luxury. Today, they’ve become a staple for full-timers, weekend warriors, and anyone looking to reduce generator time and gain true energy

Upgrading RV Batteries to Lithium: A Comprehensive Guide
Upgrading to Lithium Batteries in Your RV: A Comprehensive Guide Today we’re exploring the upgrade from traditional lead-acid or AGM batteries to lithium batteries in your RV. As of July 2025, this switch is gaining traction among RVers for its efficiency and longevity. However, it’s not a simple swap—let’s break down the key considerations to

Top 10 Most Overlooked RV Maintenance Tasks (And Why Skipping Them Can Cost You)
RV Maintenance Top 10 Most Overlooked RV Maintenance Tasks (And Why Skipping Them Can Cost You) RV ownership is a gateway to freedom, adventure, and unforgettable road trips—but it also comes with a responsibility that’s easy to forget when the sunsets are glowing and the wheels are turning: maintenance. Staying on top of RV Maintenance

Upgrading to LED Lights in Your RV: A Bright Idea for Smart RVers
Upgrading to LED Lights in Your RV: A Bright Idea for Smart RVers Why Switch to RV LED Lights? If you’re still running incandescent or fluorescent bulbs, you’re paying in battery drain, heat, and hassle. RV LED lights deliver the same or better brightness while using far less energy and producing much less heat—perfect for

Powermax VS WFCO RV Power Converters
WFCO vs PowerMax RV Converters: Which One’s Right for Your Rig? Introduction If your lights are flickering, your batteries aren’t holding a charge, or your fan spins up like a jet whenever you plug in, your RV converter may be the culprit—or your next best upgrade. Two names dominate DIY discussions: WFCO vs PowerMax. Both

Mastering RV Brake Maintenance: Ensuring Safety on the Road
RV Brake Maintenance Today we’re hitting the brakes—literally. We’re talking RV brake maintenance for travel trailers and motorhomes. Brakes aren’t the sexiest topic, I get it, but they’re the unsung heroes that keep you, your rig, and everyone else on the road out of trouble. Whether you’re towing a trailer or driving a big Class

Sprucing Up Your Rig: Cosmetic Fixes and Light Repairs for the RV DIYer
Sprucing Up Your RV: Cosmetic Fixes and Light Repairs for the RV DIYer “Hey there, Smart RVer crew! Today we’re rolling up our sleeves for some hands-on action. We’re talking cosmetic fixes and light repairs—those little projects that make your RV feel like home and keep it running without breaking the bank. Whether your rig’s

Keeping Your RV Slide Outs Smooth and Trouble-Free
Hey, Smart RVing crew! Welcome back to The Smart RVer Podcast, where we’re all about making your RV life easier, cheaper, and way more fun. I’m your host, Eric Stark, and today we’re diving into a topic every RVer with a slide-out needs to hear: maintenance and repair. Those slide-outs? They’re game-changers, giving you extra

Towing Capacities – Does The Math Add Up with Your Truck and Trailer?
How much weight can my vehicle tow? The good news is it’s easy to determine your vehicle’s tow capacity. Typically, this information can be found within the sticker on your driver’s side door frame. The rating on the sticker should determine what kind of Towable RV you can safely tow. Remember, when deciding how heavy

How to Measure RV Awnings to Replace or Repair
How to Measure for a Completer RV Slide Out Awning (Hardware, Roller Tube and Fabric) It is very easy to measure your Slide Out Room to add a Completer Slide Out Awning or Topper. The Slide Out doesn’t have to be extended, this measurement can take place with the room closed.There are only 2 steps. Step