How to Do Just About Anything in an RV

AskRVExperts - New Website That Pays for Expert Questions and Answers

noreply@blogger.com (Name: Mark Corgan) — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 20:57:00 +0000

The website aims to help users from all corners of the Internet quickly find the most accurate information possible about RVs. Members share their RV expertise in exchange for AskRVExperts Dollars, a virtual currency that can be used both within the AksRVExperts E-Store and around the site.

All information you find on AskRVExperts is created and curated by members of the AskRVExperts Community. Members of the community can ask questions, provide expert answers and rate the quality of answers. The author of a question picks the best answer given and the author of the best answer is rewarded in AskRVExperts Dollars. The more quality answers given by a member the more he is rewarded. Not only is there a monetary benefit but members also gain “status” by a rating system.

The idea is to have the AskRVExperts community judge answers to member questions to get the best and most helpful answers possible. It is a wisdom of the crowd knowledge base you can count on to get your RV questions answered quickly and accurately. Anybody can sign up and participate at AskRVExperts and every expertise and viewpoint is welcome.

So browse on over to AskRVExperts, ask some questions, and get paid for your expert answers!

ModMyRV.com Has a New Look and New Content

noreply@blogger.com (Name: Mark Corgan) — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 18:59:00 +0000

After many tireless hours of work, the new look and content of our sister site, ModMyRV.com, is finally here! While some things have changed, others stayed the same, like the forums. Why change a good thing? Here is a run-down of what’s new:

Home Page - new layout, featured content, popular mods, recent comments, news, and a new tag cloud to help you get directly to the mods you’re interested in.

Sidebar - new tabbed layout to help get more mod information in one place so you don’t have to click around to find the mod you want to do.

Mods Page - new layout displaying mod pictures, comments, and ratings, and the categories for the mod. Navigation is also easier with numbered mod pages.

Videos Page - this is a new page to the site and is a collection of RV-related videos from around the web, with how-to’s, mods, funny stuff, and much more.

Resources Page - this is a new page chock full of links, software, ebooks, and other mod forums. There is so much information here, it may take a while to get through!

FAQ Page - we added some more questions and answers about mods.

About Page - the about page has a new layout and streamlined information so you can quickly see who we are and what we’re about, though it should be obvious!

Contact page - where did it go? To contact us, we have provided a link to our contact page at the bottom of every page, along with our terms and conditions and privacy information.

Please bear with them during this transition to the new site. Hopefully, they have done our homework and nothing is broken or doesn’t work right. If you have any problems, please let them know in the forums or drop them an email. And feel free to make any suggestions that will help them get to you the mods need to do!

Happy modding!

How-to #29: Installing an RV Water Heater Bypass Kit

noreply@blogger.com (Name: Mark Corgan) — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 02:45:00 +0000

A water heater bypass is used to, well, bypass your water heater. Why? There are several reasons to mod your plumbing system with a bypass but the most popular is for winterizing. Your RV water heater typically holds 6-10 gallons of water. In order to prevent having to fill your water heater completely with antifreeze during winterization, a bypass is installed to eliminate the water tank from the plumbing circuit, and so both the hot and cold water systems are tied together. This can save you a lot of money and it makes de-winterizing much easier. Here's how to install one in your RV.

How-to #28: Installing a Tornado Holding Tank Rinser

noreply@blogger.com (Name: Mark Corgan) — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 21:16:00 +0000

Ever wake up at 3am in a cold sweat wondering if your holding tanks are clean? Probably not but installing a holding tank rinser will ensure this never happens to you. This RV modification will give you peace of mind so that the next time you use your toilet or sink after a long storage period, no stinky odors will gag you out of your RV.

How-to #27: Adding a Heater Vent to Your RV

noreply@blogger.com (Name: Mark Corgan) — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 04:08:00 +0000

As odd as it is, sometimes an RV manufacturer will neglect to install a furnace vent where you need it most, like in the bathroom or bunk house. It’s no fun making that 2-in-the-morning trip to a freezing bathroom. This how-to is about adding that missing furnace vent using one of your unused furnace air distribution box outlets.

How-to #26: Making Your Noisy RV Furnace Quiet

noreply@blogger.com (Name: Mark Corgan) — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 22:04:00 +0000

Have you ever cursed your RV furnace for waking you up in the middle of the night? Have you ever had to turn up the TV a few notches when the RV furnace kicks on? RV furnaces are notoriously noisy for a number of reasons. Generally, most of the noise comes from the high-speed fan which is then amplified by the enclosure the furnace sits in. This how-to focuses on how to reduce the furnace noise using soundproofing material and a little airflow trick that will lower the noise level to a dull roar.

Now Available - 51 Ways to Mod Your RV eBook

noreply@blogger.com (Name: Mark Corgan) — Mon, 19 May 2008 01:22:00 +0000

~~eBook Available June 15th, 2008~~
~~eBook Available July 2008~~
This ebook has been published and is now available.

A great new site, ModMyRV.com, has been launched today. It is dedicated to RVers who are obsessed with modifying their RVs. There is an eBook available that details 51 ways you can mod your RV and a new forum for discussing your mods with fellow RVers. Take a look around and give the forums try!

How-to #25: Go Green With Your RV

noreply@blogger.com (Name: Mark Corgan) — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 05:00:00 +0000

Going green means many different things to many different people. For the RVer, it means, among other things, enjoying nature by being environmentally sensitive to the natural surroundings during your travels. With an estimated 8 million RVs on the road, greening your RV can help you make a difference now and for future RVers. Read on to see how you can green your RV.

How-to #24: Managing Water Usage in Your RV

noreply@blogger.com (Name: Mark Corgan) — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 20:21:00 +0000

After few camping trips in your RV, you probably have realized that fresh water is one of the most important elements of an enjoyable outing. But showering, washing dishes, brushing your teeth, or rinsing your grassy or muddy feet can use a substantial amount of water, especially when it involves a family.

If you are camping for more than a few days where there are no hookups (this is called boondocking), water conservation is of utmost importance. You don't want to run out of water or fill up your holding tanks too quickly. Use the following tips to maximize your RV's freshwater supply.

How-to #23: Virtually Eliminate Holding Tank Odors in Your RV

noreply@blogger.com (Name: Mark Corgan) — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 20:48:00 +0000

It’s probably no secret to you that your RV holding tanks have the potential to create a source of undesirable odor within your coach. Even with proper use of deodorizing chemicals and rinsing of tanks, odor can still be a troublesome problem.

Here's how to virtually eliminate odors from your tanks, using a fan-type device called the Lil' Stanker, providing a stink-free RVing experience.

How-to #22: Choosing the Right Tires for Your Towable RV

noreply@blogger.com (Name: Mark Corgan) — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 20:04:00 +0000

One of the most important and often overlooked items on an towable RV are the tires. Most towable RV tires are barely adequate for the load they are carrying as many manufacturers use the cheapest tires possible to save money.

To ensure your tires are up to the task of safely supporting your expensive home on wheels, follow these steps for selecting and maintaining your RV tires.

How-to #21: Camping at Wal-Mart

noreply@blogger.com (Name: Mark Corgan) — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 20:11:00 +0000

You have been sightseeing all day in the RV and you and the family are tired and just want to get some sleep. So where can you park the RV for a few hours that's relatively safe and legal?

Most rest areas on major highways do not allow overnight parking. And, you can't always find a campground if you are not in a tourist area. But most Wal-Mart stores allow and some even encourage overnight RV parking provided you follow some common sense etiquette. Here are a few simple steps to ensure a safe overnight stay now and in the future.

How-to #20: Understanding RV Insurance Coverage

noreply@blogger.com (Name: Mark Corgan) — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 18:49:00 +0000

Insurance for your RV is like the rest of the emergency gear you take camping - you have to have it and hope you don't need it. Finding the right RV insurance takes a little research, which can pay off big in savings on premiums and collecting on a claim.

There are a variety of areas that are covered under specialized RV insurance. Here is what you need to know about these coverages to help ensure you get the right coverage for your RV.

How-to #19: Making Seasoning Packets From Drinking Straws

noreply@blogger.com (Name: Mark Corgan) — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 00:11:00 +0000

While not strictly a RV-related how-to, this article is for the adventurous hitting the trails after setting up the RV at the campground.

If you are a backpacker, you know that carrying very small amounts of things like tooth powder, salt, or chili powder can be tricky. Here's a method for packing individual servings using plain old drinking straws. If you can find paper straws, you won't even have to carry out the packaging.

How-to #18: Installing a Brake Controller in Your Tow Vehicle

noreply@blogger.com (Name: Mark Corgan) — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 16:50:00 +0000

Installing a brake controller unit isn't very difficult. This task is made even easier if your tow vehicle is a late model and comes with a 7-way connector as part of the towing package.

In this case, installation is as simple as mounting the brake controller in a convenient, easy to reach place, usually under the dash, just above your right leg, and connecting the wires from the brake controller to the wiring harness, and then plugging the harness into the harness located under the dash.

View this video from etrailer.com to see how easy it really is to install and test a brake controller. This video shows the installation of the Valley Odyssey brand of brake controller.

Also, here are some basic steps to take for the three popular late model trucks/SUV's: Ford, GM/Chevy, and Dodge.

How-to #17: Properly Leveling Your Towable RV

noreply@blogger.com (Name: Mark Corgan) — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 21:47:00 +0000

One of the first things we do as RVers after we arrive at the campground is to level our RVs. Most RV campsites do have perfectly level pads, but sometimes you do not have this luxury and therefore you need to level your RV yourself. Some RVs come with self-leveling systems and feet, which extend down and self level the vehicle. Unfortunately, not all RV's have such exotic features.

This how-to focuses on the steps necessary to properly level a towable RV, such as a fifth wheel or travel trailer.

How-to #16: Warming Up Your Diesel Truck Fast

noreply@blogger.com (Name: Mark Corgan) — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 05:13:00 +0000

As winter approaches, the mornings get colder and our vehicles require more time to warm up. Diesels don't warm up very quickly at normal idle speed. One way to speed up the process is by idling the engine at a higher RPM.

If you have a 2005-2007 Ford Super Duty truck with the Powerstroke diesel engine and upfitter switches, you can perform a simple modification that will allow you to increase the idle speed at the flip of a switch, dramatically shortening warm-up time, and quickly providing a comfortably heated cabin your passengers will thank you for.

How-to #15: Surviving a Fender Bender

noreply@blogger.com (Name: Mark Corgan) — Sun, 21 Oct 2007 19:17:00 +0000

No matter if you are towing your RV or driving your towed vehicle, accidents happen. It doesn't matter how watchful of a driver you are. Getting in a minor fender-bender might leave you upset and frustrated, but there's some important information you need nevertheless.

If you have just been in an accident and no one is seriously hurt, take a moment to catch your breath and calm your nerves, then take the following steps to help get through this trying ordeal.

How-to #14: Finding and Reserving the Perfect Campsite Online

noreply@blogger.com (Name: Mark Corgan) — Sun, 21 Oct 2007 03:01:00 +0000

Finding the best campsite possible is an essential part of the camping experience. It is not the time to be impatient, tired, or hurried. A poor campsite can cause undue stress and problems during the trip.

But with a little planning, patience, preparation, and a web browser, your perfect campsite can be waiting at a campground near you.

How-to #13: Emptying your RV Holding Tanks

noreply@blogger.com (Name: Mark Corgan) — Sat, 20 Oct 2007 17:28:00 +0000

We all remember the scene in the movie RV where Robin Williams is trying to empty the RV's holdings tanks while the whole campground is watching. The ensuing comedy was a bit exaggerated but nevertheless embarrassing.

Don't let this be you. By following a few simple steps, emptying your holding tanks will be boringly uneventful. And you will be the letdown of the campground.

How-to #12: Safety Checking Your RV Before Hitting the Road

noreply@blogger.com (Name: Mark Corgan) — Fri, 19 Oct 2007 16:10:00 +0000

RV travel is a great way to get out with family and friends to see new sights, visit new places, and meet new people. In all the excitement though, it's easy to overlook some important safety-related items with your RV.

By following these simple steps, you can help ensure the safety of you and your family before hitting the open road.

How-to #11: Making Campfire Sausage and Beans

noreply@blogger.com (Name: Mark Corgan) — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 22:43:00 +0000

No matter how wonderful the scenery, meals around the campfire are often the highlight of the camper's day. Modern camp stoves and specialized cookware make the cook's job easier, but nothing beats the taste and appeal of a meal cooked over the campfire.

Try this easy-to-cook sausage and beans recipe you and your family can enjoy around the campfire.

How-to #10: Installing a Power Tongue Jack for Your RV

noreply@blogger.com (Name: Mark Corgan) — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 21:13:00 +0000

All travel trailers have some type of tongue jack to crank the trailer up and down for attaching to the tow vehicle, and also for leveling the trailer. Commonly, this is simply a manual jack that must be hand-cranked. You can upgrade your RV by replacing the manual jack with an electric one. This can help tremendously when connecting up your weight distributing hitch or when leveling your RV, taking out the physical exertion required.

Here are the steps for this simple upgrade.

How-to #9: Choosing a Portable Generator for Your RV

noreply@blogger.com (Name: Mark Corgan) — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 17:46:00 +0000

Whether you own an RV, or intend to buy one soon, you will need a reliable source of power for your travels. Portable generators provide an economical and effective solution to your electric power needs, on the road or at the campsite.

For many people though, purchasing a power generator can be an intimidating and confusing process. Here's how to choose the right one for your power needs.

How-to #8: Choosing the Right Vehicle for Towing Your RV

noreply@blogger.com (Name: Mark Corgan) — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 21:36:00 +0000

Selecting the right tow vehicle to tow your RV, especially one that is that is agreeable as a daily driver, can be a very difficult decision. And even if you begged, most dealers would not allow you to actually hook up your RV and test the combination out. Much of what you have to go by has to depend on the vehicle's specifications, its towing capacity, and your driving impressions. Whether you have your heart set on a particular vehicle or not, there are still many choices to be made about the engine, transmission, suspension, brakes, comfort and luxury features, and whether you want two or four-wheel drive.

Here are some important steps you should take when considering buying a vehicle to tow your RV.