🔧 RV Maintenance - Part Two: Decision Making 🤔 + A Ticking Time Bomb 💣
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- Опубліковано 8 вер 2024
- We share the decision-making process behind every RV Maintenance item we had performed by First Truck Centre in Abbotsford, BC, Canada. What do we leave to the pros, and why? And how we avoided a breakdown... or a fire!
Maintaining an RV can be easier when you have a relationship with a local shop that you know you can trust. But when you're a full-timer, "local" loses its meaning. We've just had our second excellent experience with First Truck Centre, which is perfect for us, since we visit BC's Lower Mainland a lot.
If you're planning to RV in BC or Alberta, First Truck Centre is a great shop that we highly recommend.
www.firsttruck.ca
Here's where you can find our cost summary for all the work we had done at First Truck, plus a copy of the spreadsheet we use for keeping track of our maintenance schedule:
thervgeeks.com/...
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Full-Time RVers since April, 2003, we share DIY (do it yourself) RV maintenance, repair, travel, upgrade and operational tips & tricks.
Many RVers are eager to learn more about using, maintaining and caring for their rigs. We hope our experience can help others go DIY, saving time & money, plus the satisfaction of a job well done.
We're handy RVers, not professional technicians. We're happy with the techniques and products we use, but be sure to confirm that all methods and materials you use are compatible with your equipment and abilities. Regardless of what we recommend, consult a professional if you're unsure about working on your RV. Any task you perform or product you purchase based on any information we provide is strictly at your own risk.
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We went back and watched the 3 generator videos as well. It's the timely and Crystal clear details that make these invaluable to all RVers. Thanks again and safe travels!
Great video. Your voice sounds just like a voice on a training video. As a commercial driver, I can say all the content in this video was accurate and very important. Tripple thumbs up.
Thanks so much, Tom! Means a lot coming from a fellow professional driver. As far as the voice... I spent many years as a "live" version of a training video, standing in the stairwell, or sitting in the front seat, of MCIs, teaching new professional motor coach operators (in New York City)! So I guess it goes with the territory to sound authoritative, since it was pretty important for trainees to follow my instructions... immediately! 😉
I knew it.
Great video. The hardest part of letting someone else perform the maintenance is finding someone who will do it with the same care and attention that I do it. Seems like you've found a great shop.
We know how you feel, John... and agree that finding a good shop that you trust can be a challenge when you're used to doing things yourself. But we're definitely thrilled with First Truck and know that our motorhome is in good hands when it's there.
Another nice video 👍👍 you guys have the best RV channel of the whole internet!
You just made our whole day, Joey. 😊
I'm a retired draftsman but I've also held long term jobs doing automobile mechanics and residential carpentry. I'm pretty "tool heavy" so most things I can do on my travel trailer but I absolutely have the dealer give my 2015 F-250 super duty a good once over before I set out on a trip. They can do the work faster than I can and it's not terrible cost wise. I drop it off, go home now the lawn, go back and like magic it's done!
Love it! 😊
I like being the guy who says "tighten up the hoosie whatis" and "adjust that flem banger to"
I’ve waited for this video for very long thank RVGeeks. You guys upload some very high quality content.
What Joey said below! Your channel was the first RV one we began watching 4 years ago. 😊 Even with the “flood” of new RVers on YT, now, we’ll always consider your channel our #1. Thank you for continuing to provide your perspective on RV maintenance and travel. 😊
You just made our night! Thanks for coming out of the shadows. So great to hear from you. 😊
Yep, I called that in part one on the inspection but I owned a Tractor and trailer so that was a no-brainer for me whether my tractor or someone else's I have pretty much done it all over the years ether on the lawn or in a garage
Working on a tractor trailer on the lawn or garage. Mad props Lawrence! 😊
Thank You! You have helped me to seriously consider a smaller RV this time.. Not just this segment, but all of your many great videos. I was much younger with my last larger rig, simple or at least less complex is sounding better by the day..👍👍👍
Can’t say thank you enough. I just bought my class A yesterday and brought it to a Cummins shop for an oil change before I headed home. The experts found my turbo taking in unfiltered air due to a broken part.
You guys and the shop saved me from buying a new motor!
THANK YOU
Congratulations on your new RV, Tim! So great to hear you caught a potentially VERY serious problem so early. Thanks for taking the time to let us know we were helpful. Always great to hear. Safe travels. 😊
RVgeeks you guys gave me the courage to know full time RV life is possible. Hope to see y’all out there if you ever get out of Canada!! 😂😂😂
Throughly enjoyed this video. Wile we travel with a TT rather than a diesel pusher, it is still relevant and thought provoking.
Thanks so much, Ronnie! 😊
Enjoy your RV time. If you start DIY maintenance you may possibly learn to dislike it! Keep taking it to the pros. Thanks for sharing!
Just finish watching your part 1 and part 2, video this channel helped me out so much!
Thanks so much! Always great to hear we’ve been helpful.
This one is so good I permanently bookmarked it!
Thanks so much, Dusty! You just made our day!
Incredibly interesting & thought provoking video gents. Am I correct in assuming many A class coaches are on truck chassis? So it's going to need specialist experience & knowledge to service those areas. Also, the points you raised about fluids. That's a lot of fluids, Oil, coolant & water to carry around and, having the space or safe areas to perform those changes. Not sure Walmart would be happy with any spillages on their lots
Thanks Dan! Since the RV manufacturers order chassis specific to their products, they're not exactly the same as trucks. But they're made by many of the same companies that make trucks, so their are LOTS of similarities. It's handy actually, as our Cummins engine and Allison transmission are built for far more challenging applications that RVing, so we get overbuilt systems that can handle the job with ease.
Very inexpensive and quality work. Agree wholeheartedly with you reasons to let pro's do the work. Bearings lacking lube fail and the play takes out other bearings. Bearings now worn with excessive play can munge axles. As little as that seal replacement cost, you are decidedly money ahead... Best wishes for save travels.
Another valuable RV video! To all the people who go to RV shows, walk through the big diesels thinking owning one is just like being on a non stop fun, luxurious vacation will quickly sober up after seeing that just maintaining one is a challenge. Now gas and diesel fuel are starting to creep up and (just) filling the gas tank will set you back $400.
I have to say, you are very well spoken and very easily understood:-). Thank you for allowing us to understand everything that went on. Very appreciative!! Safe travels!!
A minute and 30 seconds in and this video is already jam packed with information! Thank you
Thanks so much! Great to hear. 😊
Protip when changing fuel filters you can fill them with ATF to prime the engine. It saves carrying around smelly diesel. Works like a charm.
Never heard of that one, Gary. Is it actually okay to run automatic transmission fluid through a diesel engine?
It will burn the ATF no problem. Before low sulphur fuel lots of truckers ran Type F fuild with the diesel for extra lubrication. If your stuck at the side of the road with a blocked filter it is far easier to pop open a couple of litres of ATF fill the filters and be on your way. Also you then know you have a verifiable clean source of fuel to prime your new filters. It wont be in there long.
Thanks Gary! Learn something new every day. 😊
You are a hero to those who need this info!
I don’t even own a motorhome, we have a travel trailer. Your videos are well done and are pleasure to watch!!
Thanks Angelo! 😊
I've learned what I can/can't/shouldn't do from your site and videos- thank you so much!
Fantastic video! Thanks for all of the great info! Happy and safe travels this Summer.
The only problem with this, potentially, is what if you get a poorly trained tech and a supervisor who is not supervising... But I see your point in many of these. It is a lot of fluid to handle and dispose of properly. I like to think I can do most of what's needed on my coach, but it takes 3 times the time, and the only thing saved is money, but I do get valuable experience and knowledge doing it myself. Just installed the Air Force One braking system on my coach and while I could have paid someone to do it, I am glad I did it myself. Learned some valuable lessons. I expect I will pay someone to do most of this stuff but sure wish I could do it all of the time.
Hi Bob! Props to you for doing so much on your own. We installed our own braking system, too (13 years ago) and know exactly what you mean about the benefits of doing it yourself. As far as trusting a shop, it's definitely one of the challenges of us as full-timers, since we might be just about anywhere when it's service time, so it can be hard to establish a relationship with a place we trust. Luckily, we've settled into enough of a routine that we often end up back in the same spots often enough to plan around one or two great shops we've found over the years, including First Truck.
Great video, especially for those of us 'new' to the lifestyle! We're only a couple months into using our 10 year old motor coach, thus there are so many questions, of which your many video's help extensively! Truly appreciative, and you have a good voice for this type of video, concise & clear and well thought out! I'm quite happy to say as well, that I've been to the 'First Truck Centre' in Port Kells, but not the new Abbotsford location, so I'm hoping both would give quality service. I use to drive the big rigs in my other life, thus was at First Truck daily for a few years, dropping off unit's for repair/maintenance! Prior to our private purchase, we found our Tiffin Phaeton was fully maintained last October, and it hasn't been used that much, thus I feel confident that most items should be good until that time again this year. I have found small things I've wanted upgrade on our coach, and have done so, but will most likely leave the 'big' jobs to the experts!
Congratulations on your new-to-you RV, Dale! Great to hear that you've not only had experience with First Truck as a professional, but that you live nearby and can use them for your RV, too. The man shown in the Part One video cutting the ribbon at the grand opening is the GM for the Lower Mainland locations, and we had the opportunity to speak with him at some length. Our impression was that he and his staff are very dedicated to their customers, and we're confident that the shop near you would provide similar service (if not quite as immaculate as a brand new shop)! Actually, our very first experience with with First Truck was at your local facility last year, where they did a great job on a Spartan recall. That's how we discovered them in the first place.
It's amazing your job. You are the RV Genius!
Well now I'm convinced. I'm not wasting money with mechanics. Ty
Another very informative video guys. It was a real shock to me when I had my first oil, lube and filter plus fuel filter change on my RV. For my Honda this would cost $50 CAD max and could be done at any one of a number of places such as Mr. Lube, Jiffy Lube or Canadian Tire plus I could do it myself if I really wanted to.
However having the same maintenance done on a 30 foot RV can only be done at a few places and costs $400 CAD plus after seeing how it was done it wasn't something I wanted to do. Big difference. It's something I didn't realise when I bought the RV.
So true, Jack. But at least our RVs aren't boats (or airplanes)! Then you're REALLY talking expensive, hard-to-find, tasks-you-wouldn't-want-to-do-yourself kind of maintenance! 😉 There... how's that for a silver lining?! LOL!
Your videos are excellent. Really enjoy the footage of the actual maintenance. Appreciate your hard work and transparency. Thanks
Fabulous maintenance video. You guys are a fantastic fountain on knowledge for those of us new to the RV lifestyle thank you
That rig of yours is a BEAST! Smart move on the professionals.
You guys are so thorough :-) I was surprised at how relatively reasonable their charges were. The cost of tools and equipment has to be factored in and that heavy duty stuff ain't cheap. Not to mention the cost of training and the sheer difficulty in dealing with such large masses of components (that's why I became a motorcycle mechanic in 1970) :-)
So were we, Yoly! Thought their pricing was really very reasonable! And you were right to pursue motorcycle mechanic... MUCH smaller parts to work with! 😉
A couple of things.... its absolutely wonderful how much footage you were able to get of the techs work!!! I can only imagine them going about their business and here’s this guy with a camera careening under the RV to get that perfect roll!!! Lol
Next, I guess mechanics really have come a long way seeing that they actually wear gloves!!! In “the old days” good ole mechanics did it bare-handed having fresh oil-stained hands to show for it!!! Hahahaha
Thanks always for your THOROUGH informative videos!! I always get excited when I see a Geek video in my email-box!!!
Lauri
Thanks so much for your wonderful comment, Lauri! And you're right about the techs being absolutely awesome with us filming. We were very careful about the service manager about doing this. We not only asked permission, but asked each technician if they were okay with it (with an introduction by the manager, so they'd know we had the green light to be in there). They were very patient and accommodating, and we're so glad you enjoyed the results. 😊 I also liked that they wore gloves, since you can so often see me doing the same thing in our videos. Now I don't feel like such a wuss! 😂
Once again .... A very nice job. I especially liked the close up on the wheel inspection. When I noticed a slight leak coming from my front wheel seal I was going to try to do it myself but I couldn't find any videos on it. Now that I've seen it, I realize I don't have three or four of those tools so I guess that's a professional job:-)
For sure Richard! After we saw the complexity of the torquing sequence alone, we know it's a job we wouldn't touch... especially considering the safety factor on this one.
You have an excellent presentation style!
Thank you so much, Jeanette! ☺️
You guys are absolutely awesome. I love your videos and all the fabulous information you two provide for us all. Please keep up your hard work. I learned so much from you......priceless. Safe travels you two and thanks again for another fantastic video!!!
Thank you so much for the kind words, Sabine. It’s always great to hear we’ve been helpful, and you just made our day. 😊
I hope you guys aren't being flooded out by the rising Fraser. Stay Dry! and Great Video !!
Thanks Ray! The water's in the lower parking lot of the RV park we're in.... same one as shown here the last time it got really high: ua-cam.com/video/e8gQ8lZY754/v-deo.html It's not THAT high yet, and we're heading East soon..... but maybe not soon enough!
Good job.
Great video but there is one thing I want to add. Never change your oil plug to one of those valve types! There is a magnet in the original plug that catches any steel that breaks off an engine part. When the oil is changed any good mechanic will look at the plug for a warning sign of impending problems that could be catastrophic to the engine. With the valve type plug you will never know until it is too late.
Thanks so much for the input. We're VERY unlikely to make the switch to one of those valves... less and likely all the time thanks to valuable feedback like yours.
Excellent video. I always learn a lot watching them.
Seems like a first class shop. I have to admit I have never heard of air ride adjustment where would one find the specs manufacturer ?
Thx very informative
Thanks Pat! We got our ride height specs from the chassis manufacturer (Spartan) by calling and requesting them, and now we keep them on file. Your manufacturer (most likely Freightliner or Spartan) should be able to provide you with the same information if you provide them with your VIN number.
As usual, your videos are spot on and very informative. Keep up the good work guys.
Excellent video. Using sound judgement can be hard when you're pressed for cash.
That's true, Scott. Financial limitations can make it hard to afford NOT to be DIY with these tasks. But there are definitely advantages to (at least once in a while) getting professional eyes on these pieces of equipment to ensure that everything is working as it should. Saving the money today can sometimes result in more expensive problems down the road (drivetrain damage due to bad ride height, seized axle bearing due to leaking hub oil, etc). Again, we get that it's not easy when money is tight, but it's important to be aware of the ramifications.
As usual, a great video from the Geeks! Thank you guys for your excellent and informative videos.
Great video and useful content.Thank you. Regarding your comment about Fumuto valves or similar ball valve drains for oil. I have debated the same question for decades. Discussing this with a trusted automotive tech that has owned his own very successful automobile repair shop for decades, he explained about the leak issue over time as well as the valve installation draining slower due to orifice restriction, smaller hole, and that the valve is not installed flush with the interior of the oil pan. this leaves residual oil in the pan. maybe an 1/8" to a 1/4" of old dirty oil. While this on a percentage basis is not a big thing if you are draining out 7 gallons, it maybe more an issue at 4 or 5 liters.
Thank you for the great videos.
Joe
Thanks so much for sharing the great insight, Joe! We actually originally included a mention of the restriction of the oil drain opening as a potential for leaving residual debris in the oil pan, as well as the turning on and off of the flow preventing good flushing action. But we removed that reference because it was only hypothesis on our part, and we couldn't find anything definitive about it. Great to hear that our thinking was validated by a far more experienced source. Thanks so much for adding to our decision-making process on this one. We certainly would need some very good mitigating factors to install one of those valves at this point.
One last thought, the drain plug in your diesel has a magnetic end which is great at attracting and trapping ferrous particles that are suspended in the oil. Just another benefit of using a high quality drain plug.
Since I no longer lay on my back in all manner of road debri wrestling with wrenches, skinning my putty soft office worker fingers on greasy metal parts, to get at the drain plug.
Over the last several years I find it better to leave most mechanical maintenance to those that are equipped and have the expertise. Thank you for the replies and great video.
Joe
Right on Joe! 👍😊
Hopefully the guys at Speedco are better than the people I have encountered at the Walmarts. In my toad vehicle they stripped the oil pan bolt, covered it up with some type of sealer
and sent me on my my, more than once That's why I installed a controllable valve.
We used Speedco for years, and suspect you'll find them capable of handling your diesel engine (that's all they work on - tractor trailers and other big trucks, and diesel pusher RVs) far better than Wal-Mart. We only stopped using them because they nearly doubled their prices after being bought out by a larger company.
Great video, as usual. Always learning from you. Thank you.
Thanks for the nice comment. 😊
Another excellent video. You alluded to the fact that self-servicing some maintenance items assumes potentially too great a risk if something goes wrong as part of the maintenance procedure. High replacement cost components may warrant having the experts performing recurring maintenance because you have the independently documented maintenance activity /paper trails to support your case for good-will repairs should something break prematurely outside of the warranty period.
Thanks Anthony! Right on. Great point. We definitely take the cost-of-the-maintenance vs the cost-of-the-potential-damage into the decision mix. Ride height is a great example, as the driveline damage that incorrect ride height can cause can supposedly be very severe. We're very happy to say "supposedly" since that of course means we've never had a driveline problem. 😊
Anthony C Brown a
Thank you so much for your videos.
Really interesting- and thorough - as usual.
Thanks so much, Ladies! Hope we get a chance to meet you in person (just in case David didn’t mention it, we’ll be there this October).
Brilliant. We will book you two seats on the stern! Gin and tonics or cups of tea- whatever you like.
Lovely! We would love to meet you both. We’ll keep in touch to see if we’ll be anywhere near each other when we’re headed your way.
Well well well.... another awesome video!! Thanks
Professional presentation, as always. Part 1 /2 - when I saw the overhead view of your RV + car driving in for service, I thought it was an animation. I think because I can't see a single piece of litter or dirt anywhere.
Thanks Scott! No surprise that the opening drone shot looked fake, since the place it amazingly clean. They didn't even know we were going to video, so it sure wasn't cleaned up for us. That's just the way they keep it, and of course it's SO new. :)
Extremely good video. Thanks.
Once again, excellent video
Great informative video, thanks for sharing
Great video as always.
Excellent video!
good video thanks
Great video as always. Your production quality is set to a very high standard!
Soooo......when will you guy´s do Europe in an RV? :)
Thanks so much! We’re definitely talking about an RV rental somewhere in Europe. 😉
Very informative video.
You guys are the Bomb!
Very good video!
I very much enjoy your all your videos. While I understand most people must rely on shops for maintenance, like many trades, its increasingly becoming more difficult to find genuine knowledge, diligence, and honesty in mechanics today. The workforce turnover and lack of old world work ethics are why I do as much as I can on my diesel pusher if only to get my eyes on everything. Living on a small farm, I fortunately have the resources to do this. When I did have some brake service done at Freightliner, it was not done correctly. Reviews of the dealership can give some clues to this, although like anything on the internet, they too are often inaccurate. One comment on the technician changing the oil filter in your video....I highly recommend prefilling it with oil before installing. It did not appear he did this the way he handled the filter. Thanks again for great content and channel.
Forgive me if I missed this in a video somewhere, but what is the purpose of the Gatorade bottle front and center at the 3:45 mark? Just curious...
Here's the secret behind the plastic bottle. ua-cam.com/video/9w12E68nseo/v-deo.html 😉
As a towable RV dealer, I never had too much experience under the chassis of one, learn somethin' new every day! Thanks guys!
Thanks so much for the nice comment. 😊
Hi guys, just found your channel and am very happy I did. All the tips are very helpful and I'm making my way through them. Wish I had found them sooner! We have a 2006 Mountain aire and it looks very similar to yours (ours is brown and gold). What year and model is your rig? Apologies if this is covered in a different comment or video. Thanks again for the great content. I'm now a subscriber. Adam
Hey Adam! And welcome! Thanks so much for your kind words. Always great to hear from a fellow Newmar owner, especially a Mtn Aire. 👍 Ours is an ‘05 4304. We ordered it new and have loved it for nearly 14 years now.
14 years! That's amazing! Weve had ours 3 years now and made a few upgrades here and there but I'm inspired to go further watching you guys. Ours is a 4304 as well. Thanks again for the response and amazing content.
Hi guys. At 13:18 is that a plastic bottle hanging just to the right of the mechanics hand? If it is, is that to catch blow by from the crankcase breather tube? I have been told about the breather tube exhausting oil vapor and causing build up on the radiator. Ever heard of this?
Haven’t heard of the radiator issue, but you’re right on target with the bottle. We made a short video about it: ua-cam.com/video/9w12E68nseo/v-deo.html
Awesome
Well thought out vid. Wish I could find a repair facility I could trust. How come they're torquing the lug nuts sequentially? I thought you were supposed to go opposite or a star pattern.
To add to Wil's comments, the mechanics need to attend "how to properly use a torque wrench" school. Impossible to achieve correct torque when they're bouncing on the wrench instead of a slow, continuous pressure 'til it clicks.
And that's why I, a retired A&P, still do 99% of my maintenance.
Thanks Wil! In the part that's shown in the video, the tech using the impact wrench was doing the preliminary installation with the wheel still raised up in the air. They then dropped the rig down, and with the tire on the ground (so it wouldn't spin) he tightened them in the typical star pattern. We did notice that the final torque check was done in sequence though. Not sure why, but we have seen that done before.
Thanks for the input, Jim. We did see that when we returned for a torque check, the tech was smoother, and all seemed good.
"Oil is cheaper than parts"
amazes me how everything rides on those relatively tiny roller bearings . . .
We thought the same thing, Jim!
Hey guys love the great videos you put out. Question, we're going to purchase an RV for retirement and I was wondering are the maintenance bills for diesels the same for all sizes of diesels, 45' to a 34' ?
Thanks Robert! While there may be some savings, for the most part a diesel engine is a diesel engine, requiring most or all of the same maintenance. Less oil volume in a smaller engine, and other minor items probably won’t save enough, if anything, to make it a big factor. TIRES on the other hand... 6 vs 8 is a 25% savings, as well as smaller RVs using smaller less expensive ones.
@@RVgeeks Thanks for getting back to me.
I, too, am curious about the plastic gatorade bottle shown in the oil change portion of the video. What's that for?
Hi Don! Here's the secret behind the plastic bottle. ua-cam.com/video/9w12E68nseo/v-deo.html 😉
thanks for your effort in replying to this item. You guys are really selfless. Thanks, again!
I have two questions if you don’t mind. 1. just bought a brand new 12 v deep cycle battery. When it is on my charger/maintainer I can hear the water bubbling, is this normal and if not what should I do. 2, my RV indicator panel shows that my battery was full and with no load meaning the odd LED light on and using the pump twice it now shows empty. The next day it then showed 3/4 full and when I tested with a multimeter it was near full. Any suggestions? :)
Hi Kitchguy! Yes... it's normal to hear bubbling in your battery when it's charging. The bigger question is... does it ever stop bubbling? You want the battery to "bubble" fairly vigorously during the BULK phase of a 3-stage charge cycle. But then it should start calming down during the ABSORB/ABSORPTION phase, when the voltage is maintained at a constant value, but the amps ramp down slowly. If your battery charger/maintainer isn't 3-stage, it's likely just a 2-stage unit and will "BULK" charge for longer, then go to "FLOAT", where it just maintains the voltage at a level that's designed to keep it from discharging. But at that "FLOAT" stage, you shouldn't hear much, if any, bubbling. If you do... it could be a problem with your charger.
And when you say your "RV indicator panel", is that just an LED fuel-gauge-like display that shows a light for "Full", "3/4", "1/2", "1/4" and "Empty"? (or something similar)? If so... those are notoriously inaccurate. If it's something more "intelligent", it's possible that it's still learning your new battery's characteristics. So it could take it a while to adjust (meaning a couple of discharge and then recharge cycles).
But, after all that, it IS possible that the new battery you got could be bad. Depending on where you bought it from, it could have been sitting on a shelf, not being charged, for a long period of time. And that can lead to sulfation that decreases the battery's capacity, making it seem to charge quickly, but then discharge quickly, too. You could take it back to where you bought it and have them do a load test on it to see if it's performing OK. Or (if your charger has this as an option) you could try running it through an "Equalize" cycle (which is basically a controlled over-charging of the batter) to see if that improves its performance... although your really SHOULDN'T have to do that with a brand new battery.
Fire away with more questions/details if you want and we'll see what we can do to help you sleuth out the correct answer!
RVgeeks thank you so much. I bought the Nautilus 80 amp hrs at Canadian Tire as well as the G3500 Genius Battery Charger/maintainer. I can’t say for sure if it bubbles vigorously during charging but I will check to see how fast next time I’m charging. I get confused with three stage charging and I’m not sure if my charger is or isn’t. I’m just trying to learn all I can but so many articles are confusing at times. I’d like to take care of my batteries and hopefully have them for a few years :) As for my RV indicator panel it is the same one that has my grey and black water indicators. I will give it some time to see if it starts showing the correct levels of my battery. I will also keep my multimeter at the trailer sire as well just to check it. I really appreciate your feedback. Thank you
No worries, Kitchguy! It can get confusing, fast! We just looked at the G3500 charger on their own website... and couldn't tell you (based on what they say) if it's a 3-stage charger or not. They use some confusing language! But it looks like it's not. It's a low-amperage, 2-stage charger with some extra features (like a de-sulfation mode, etc). A couple of things about it:
(1) Make sure you've selected the first "12V/Normal" mode for your charging, as that looks like the correct one for your 80Ah battery.
(2) They say a 100Ah battery takes 14 hours to recharge. So make sure you've let the battery charge for long enough before using it again... otherwise, it's not 100% re-charged and could be showing depleted on your panel.
Keeping your multimeter handy to check the battery voltage is a great idea... those "idiot panels" that most RV manufacturers install for checking tanks & batteries really leave a lot to be desired.
Hope all this helps get you squared away!
RVgeeks You’ve been a great help thank you. I also really enjoy your channel , thank you both for all the valuable information.
Always such great info guys, being a new full timer it’s a great go to.
I purchased a 2011 Fleetwood Tioga c class in November, any advice for where to take it for an oil change, it’s far to big to get it into a quick service shop?
Thanks, Colin! We've only ever owned diesel pushers... so we've always gone to heavy-duty truck service centers (we certainly couldn't fit in a Jiffy-Lube, even if they could do our service, LOL). That said... some truck service locations (like the one we went to in this video) DO perform basic maintenance on gas coaches. So if you have one nearby, it can't hurt to call and ask. The other option is to go to the brand car dealer that your RV's chassis was made by (Ford or Chevy)... they can often do the service, too. Hope that helps!
RVgeeks thanks I will try the Ford dealer here in Victoria, the vehicle has really low KM 19,000 but, it’s 8 years old, would you have the transmission fluid and filter changed as well, as new coolant when I take it in?
Thanks again
While we hate to do unnecessary work, we hate even more to NOT do work that's overdue. If you're a new owner of a used rig, and don't have the maintenance records from the previous owner, it might be prudent to do all the scheduled maintenance and start fresh with a new, known, baseline. It's a bit expensive, but if you can manage it, it's a great way to start off a new ownership experience. Of course if you have records that show the coolant was replaced last year, and it's only due once every two years, there's no reason to replace it.
RVgeeks no documentation unfortunately, my gut feeling was to replace all the fluids without knowing what has been done thanks for reaffirming 😀
Just curious. On the service reminder slip why is your odometer reading in kilometers. Is this a Canadian coach or do they keep everything in their systems in kilometers? Thanks. I searched for Speedco and it looks like they are owned by Love's Truck stop/travel centers. Is that right?
Our rig is US, showing miles on the speedometer, but since the shop is in Canada, they convert everything to kilometers (we have about 69,000+ miles). Yes... Love's bought Speedco.
My wife and thinking to buy a Class A Rv... how much is a service in a Class A Gas?
Sorry we’ve never owned a gas rig, so we’re not sure. Your best bet is to use the information in this video about the types of services that get done, check your owners manual for maintenance intervals, and stop in to a reputable RV maintenance center and ask them for pricing for the tasks you need done on your specific rig.
Overall, how much does it own a rv(maintenance, fuel and insurance)?. I’m new to this rv stuff.
Hi Aaron. Well... that varies a lot based on how you RV. Type of RV plays a big part (diesel pusher -vs- gas class a motorhome -vs- towable, etc), since towable RVs don't have an engine & drivetrain to maintain. Then there's HOW you RV. Do you travel non-stop, moving every couple of days and covering large distances (higher campground costs for short-term stays and more fuel & maintenance costs for things like tires, etc)? Or will you be slower-moving, spending longer stays (thus getting long-term, lower rates at campgrounds) and traveling in the RV less? And will you be staying only in private campgrounds? Or will you dry-camp/boondock on BLM land at all? Or a mix? There are just so many variables, that even knowing what WE spend on all of those things might not truly help you, if your mode/style of travel isn't the same.
That said, for our 43' Diesel Pusher motorhome, traveling at a slower pace (roughly 5,000 miles per year on average) and spending more time in fewer places (with a lot of dry-camping during the winter months in the desert southwest), we've averaged roughly:
- $2,500/year in insurance costs (which includes full-timer's coverage for more valuables on board)
- $1,600/year for maintenance & repairs (which is averaged over 15 years of full-timing and includes 1 full replacement of 8 RV tires, an engine oil leak repair and the replacement/upgrade of our original Norcold 4-door fridge to residential when the Norcold failed)
- $2,500/year in diesel fuel (5,000 miles/year ÷ 7mpg = 714 gallons/year * $3.50/gal)
- $5,000/year in campground fees (averaging about $15/night by staying free on BLM, then splurging for "resorts" on occassion)
Again... your numbers will likely vary, but we hope this gives you an idea. For a different perspective (17' Fiberstream trailer), check out Drivin' & Vibin's monthly budget reports to see how living smaller compares: drivinvibin.com/category/monthly-budget-reports/
Did you notice that the tech did not torque the lug nuts correctly? Incorrect pattern.
I did see that on the video... and you're absolutely right. But I'm gonna have to take the rap for that here. We were in these poor guys faces with cameras all day (a very long day). I have no doubt that our constant "hold on a sec please so I can get that on camera" was pretty damn distracting. I have every confidence that they know what they're doing, and sorry if our videoing made it look any other way.
RVgeeks It’s nice if you to cut them some slack, but a well-trained tech would never torque wheels that way. He would be so used to the “star” pattern it would simply never happen. Obviously a newby, and an untrained one.
Thanks for the feedback. For whatever it's worth, he's the guy who did the wheel seal, and he explained the entire teardown and re-assmbly process in great detail as he went, so we're going to assume he's qualified. We do plan to ask about the torquing next time we're in their shop though. Thanks again.
RVgeeks Not knowing the correct wheel torque pattern is a large, and surprising, gap in his knowledge.
RVgeeks Here’s a story you might find interesting. I took my Mercury Grand Marquis to a quick lube which had a viewing area next to the bays. You could see and talk to the techs. The tech drained the oil, replaced the filter, and began pouring quarts of oil into the engine. After 3 quarts he stopped, wiped his hands and moved toward the drivers door. I was stunned for a second, then shouted “excuse me, it takes 5 quarts!” He said, “I know, I always add 3, then start the engine, then let it sit for awhile before the final fill, to make sure I don’t add too much.” Of course I didn’t allow him to do that, and demanded that he add the full 5 quarts before starting the engine. So where did he get such an insane idea? It certainly wasn’t taught in automotive tech school. Probably from his “Uncle Billy” or “Grandpaw John”, and he had always done it this way.
Your tech most likely learned his wheel torque pattern the same way. The shocking thing is that no one was supervising him.
How many miles are on your RV? Great video!
Thanks Adam! Just coming up on 700,000 miles.
Oops!!! Meant 70,000 miles. LOL
Was like WOW! We have an 01 Mountain Aire with around 112k. Thought you guys have REALLY been doing some traveling.
P.S. Love your videos. Was owner-operator for last 24 years and performed all my own maintenance. Last truck had 1,380,000 when it got wrecked. put me out of business so retired now to RVing. Many similarities in motorhome to truck but a lot of differences too. Your videos help me alot. Thanks a bunch.
Thanks much, Donny. Sorry to hear about your truck, but glad you’re RVing now. 👍
Wait Wait Wait Wait.... @ 2:50
While draining the oil, in the background right, is a Gatorade plastic container attached to a hose. Why is there a Gatorade container attached to your coach? Is that your slobber tube?
Slobber tube indeed! Here's the secret behind the plastic bottle. ua-cam.com/video/9w12E68nseo/v-deo.html 😉
RVgeeks That has to be one of the slickest DIY solves for the slobber tube I've seen so far! Simple, easy AND refreshing! (Included punns intended) 👍
Thanks so much, Mike! Now we're thirsty for a refreshing beverage. 😁
Ok, for us motor coach newbies, what's a slobber tube? Is that the oil that works it's way into the intercoolers? I would have thought (such as on some pickups) that there may be an aftermarket setup to have it return to the engine?
Hi Dale! The "slobber tube" is slang for the crankcase breather tube (sometimes called the "road draft tube") and is part of the crankcase ventilation system. It's known as the "slobber tube" because it tends to drip oil. Here's a little detail about the system: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crankcase_ventilation_system
7+ gallons of oil - YIKES!
Exactly!!
Please don't make a 💣
Nope. We only diffuse them. 😉
RVgeeks ok then 👌
You left out a very important reason for not doing it yourself.... when you have everything torn apart and find out that a socket or wrench that you need is missing lol!
You mean we're not the only ones that happens to? Thanks Kevin!
RVgeeks
Naw, 😂! I’m starting a project 84 Winnebago for the fun of it. But to have to fix something, I’ll let the pros do it. I put your video on auto play as I’m going down the road and then watch them when I stop.
These videos make me never want to own a RV. Way too much maintenance. Just drive and air BnB a place to stay.
Great video!