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RV Parts Tips
Keep Your RV Looking New and Clean
If you want to keep your RV looking clean and new, the best purchase you can make is an RV cover. Using an RV cover or sunshield tarp when you are not on the road prevents UV damage from the sun and decreases the internal temperature of your home on wheels. Go the extra mile - purchase plastic covers for your RV tires and spray-on tire sun block to prevent premature aging. Mirror covers, wiper-blade covers, and sun-shield tarps are a few additional RV accessories you can purchase to keep your mobile RV looking new for years to come!
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Camping World Inc. Tip: Buying the Right RV Replacement Parts
It’s best to make the investment in quality RV replacement parts when it comes to keeping your home on wheels up-to-date.
Like cars, you will eventually want and need additional RV parts and accessories. Buying used RV parts may be cost-effective at first, but if you are not familiar with your dealer or see the items firsthand, you could end up buying them again within the year. Used RV parts often do not come with a warranty, and you will have better luck buying RV repair parts new from a reputable parts and accessories dealer. Look for a store that offers superior customer service, a large selection of RV replacement parts, discount RV parts, and special pricing for repeat customers. A great sale plus lower pricing from your dealer can mean the difference between buying what you need and buying what you want: from RV wheels to those extras that make roughing it a little smoother!
It is also important to purchase the proper RV replacement parts for your particular need. For instance, if you need motorhome replacement parts such as RV plumbing, stove or toilet parts, you will want to purchase items specifically designed as motorhome replacement parts. Don’t buy household parts that are not made to fit your motorhome. Chances are they will not fit or function properly and you will spend more money purchasing the RV replacement parts you needed in the first place.
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Basic RV Plumbing
RV plumbing is fairly simple. There are two holding tanks: a grey tank for sink and bath waste, and a black tank for sewage. You will use either a pressurized direct-feed water system (i.e. exterior water supply) or your holding tank with an electric pump. You must use chemical solutions to treat each of your tanks: the grey tank solution breaks down paper, waste and eliminates odor. Your RV parts and accessories store will carry different types of RV toilet and sink products. Be sure to always use bath tissue designed specifically for RV and septic toilets.
For dumping liquid waste, there are a few essential RV plumbing accessories to have ready for any situation or sewer variances:
Hose coupler – joins two sewer hoses together to lengthen your hose.
Coupler bayonet adapter – a temporary hose coupling tool.
90 degree sewer adapter – connects hose to sewer.
On/off adapter – a temporary tool to connect the hose to the RV.
Coupler threaded adapter – use with 90 degree sewer adapter for threaded connections.
Extra heavy-duty sewer hose (at least two, ten foot sections) – creates a longer hose.
Sewer hose seal – seals sewer hose to the dump hole.
ABS plastic piece and ABS plastic cement – for sewer connector retainer repairs.
Extra sewer outlet cap – have on-hand in case your original breaks!
Additional RV parts and accessories related to RV plumbing are: drain stand, hose storage unit, water pressure regulator and water purifier. Also look into purchasing a wheeled, portable dump-tank. You may find yourself at a campground without full hook-up and it’s best to dump excess grey water periodically. These items aren’t necessary, but offer insurance that your RV experience will go off ‘without a hitch.’
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Camping World Inc. Tip: Go in Style: RV Accessories that Work for You!
Ready to go? Your RV is outfitted and secured but there are a few simple items you can purchase to make life a little easier on the open road.
Making your entry-way easier and safer is as simple as adding a few RV parts and accessories: RV steps, non-skid padding, rugs, and hand-railing. Adding these items to your entry-way will help the youngest to oldest RV enthusiasts get the right start in any camper- or motorhome-stay.
RV steps and hand-rails can be mounted to fold and lock down to your RV, while rugs and patio mats help keep your camper clean. Don’t spend your time stumbling into your vacation, home, instead step up in style!
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RV Toilet Maintenance and Repair
Your own bathroom may be one of the greatest comforts of owning an RV but it can also be high on the list of RV headaches if not properly maintained.
The water used to flush your toilet, along with the seals, black drain valve and toilet chemicals work together to control odor. You must maintain these elements in order to keep your traveling home smelling sweet. Always leave at least one half of an inch of water in the bowl or your seal will dry and crack. Toilet bowl leaks can be cured by resealing. This is done at the bottom of the toilet and on the holding tank dump valves. Tighten a loose bowl (do not over-tighten) and check the seal or gasket for damage.
The tank fill sensor can fail, so clean it periodically and replace it if there is need. If you cannot flush, try to use the manual turn valve on the back of the toilet. Inspect the supply line; there may not be enough water pressure. If the toilet is empty and will not hold water, your flush drain may be clogged.
In order to keep your system from freezing in winter, remove all water from the toilet by flushing the lines with RV antifreeze. Only use antifreeze made specifically for RVs – other types are toxic to your RV. When buying RV toilet parts, always use what your manufacturer recommends to keep your toilet system functioning for years to come!
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Camping World Inc. Tip: RV Tires and Safety
Safety and reliability is essential when it comes to RV tires, wheels, and accessories. A flat tire or bad wheel can add danger, frustration and cost to your travel plans. Have your RV wheel bearings checked every 12,000 miles or yearly (whichever comes first).
Also inspect your RV tire pressure – too low or too high pressure can cause tire failure. Be careful of overloading your RV. If you are towing a vehicle or other equipment, consider each axle when determining tire ratings. Also see that you have the proper tires and that they are the right size for your rim and wheel well.
The wrong tires can cause sway problems and damage your frame. Check your RV tires and wheels for tread separation, foreign objects, gashes or other problems because tire failure can lead to extreme danger and damage.
