Tom & Cheri here from EnjoyTheJourney.Life, excited to bring you insider RV tech tips—straight from an expert RV tech, Josh. We’ve combined these secrets with our usual RV living resources so you can hit the road safer and smarter.
🔧 1. Propane On or Off While Traveling?
A hot debate in the RV community: should propane be left on while driving? If your RV manual doesn’t expressly say to shut it off, you’re typically safe. Older absorption fridges may need propane on, and in cold weather, you might be running the furnace—so keep propane on then, too.
🛞 2. Never Lift Tires Off the Ground
On uneven campsites, even RV suspension systems like MORryde strongly discourage picking tires up—it can overstress rubber bushings or flip suspension shackles. Level your rig before extending jacks to avoid strain on suspension components.
⚙️ 3. Optimize Jack Stroke
Limit jack extension to about half their stroke (e.g. 7–12″ on a 15″ jack). That improves stability and reduces wear. Also, consider adjusting jack height for better clearance and support.
💸 4. Invest in a Warranty
Lip‑leveling jack replacements can exceed $1,000. Based on real experience, we recommend RV warranties like Wholesale Warranties—they often cover such repairs and pay for themselves over time.
🚫 5. Skip Gadgets Without Gate Valves
Devices like the Rhino Blast Pro without a gate valve are ineffective—water just flows right into the sewer. Always choose a flush gadget like Voltera’s Flush King that includes a gate valve to control flow.
🚿 6. Don’t Leave While Flushing Black Tanks
Distractions—like talking to neighbors—while dumping or flushing your black tank can cause catastrophic sewage backup into the underbelly, requiring full inspections and cleanup.
🏠 7. Check Roof & Tires Monthly
Roofing (especially die‑core) and tires are the most neglected maintenance items. Inspect your roof every 30–45 days and check tire condition and air pressure regularly.
💧 8. Fix a Leaky Fresh Water Inlet
Over‑tightening the water inlet often cuts the plastic gasket. Replace with Camco gaskets (cheap on Amazon), snug it by hand, and avoid pliers to prevent leaks.
🔌 9. Run Your Generator Monthly
If your RV sits, start the generator every ~30 days and use fuel stabilizer. Keep fuel levels low or refill small amounts to avoid stale gasoline. Like a car left idle, RVs need use to avoid performance issues.
🛠️ 10. Catch Leaking Pumps with Trays
Place a small aluminum baking pan under your water pump—even silicone under mount points—to catch leaks and help water sensors detect moisture early.
🚱 11. Use a Water Pressure Regulator
Don’t risk incoming pressure over ~60 PSI. Test systems up to double that (100–120 PSI) to ensure fittings hold—just don’t confuse temperature‑related drops with leaks.
🔥 12. Seasonal Tubing Expansion Issues
Plastic fittings like vinyl tubes can warp with large temperature swings—especially in northern climates where day-to-night changes exceed 50°F. Quick DIY with a heat gun can help contract a fitting back in place—but this is a temporary fix.
❄️ 13. Use Air Blow‑Out Devices in Winter
Texas-based Lippert (Liipper) makes an air shut-off device to purge water lines before cold spells, reducing need for constant heat inside—saving gas for full-time winter travelers.
⛽ 14. Be Prepared for Tire Blowouts
Blowouts damage surrounding wiring, plumbing, and fiberglass. Invest in quality tires and maintain recommended pressures to prevent cascade damage.
🤫 15. Secret DIY Pipe Fix: Gentle Heat
For minor leaks due to tight fittings or expansion, gently warming PEX tubes (without pressure) can cause contraction and restore a seal—just enough to get through the night safely.
💧 16. Check Jack Fluid Only at Safe Times
Only fill hydraulic fluid when jacks are fully retracted and hooked up to the tow vehicle—about 1″ from the fill line—to avoid spills onto batteries or wiring.
🧰 17. Seasonal Heat Can Save Your Rig
That clever air purge tool + occasional generator run + registry of pressures can help RVers avoid frozen pipes, busted seals, or fuel-phase issues during extended stays.
✅ Essential Takeaways
- Don’t rely on myths—always consult your RV’s manual.
- Routine checks (rain, tires, tanks, inlet) prevent major problems.
- Smart gadgets, like flush devices with gate valves and water pressure regulators, make maintenance easier and safer.
- Preventative care via generator runs, seasonal air purges, and thermal checks keep your setup road‑ready.
These practical, real‑world tech hacks and must‑avoid mistakes are based on Josh the RV tech’s expertise and our own full‑time RV journey. If you found this helpful, comment below with your own tips or questions so the whole RV community can benefit. Happy travels and enjoy the journey!
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