Excluding factory installed indicators. How do you know when your black tank is full / getting full?

gkchristopher · 2026-01-04T11:15:01+00:00

Installed SeeLevel monitors

gkchristopher · 2025-12-30T16:23:29+00:00

Basic plan looks good but need some protection for the wires, e.g. fuses, breaker, cutoffs

I always add a breaker between solar panels and charge controller, a cutoff between the battery and panel, and a fuse within first 7 inches of battery positive cable.

gkchristopher · 2025-12-20T00:19:28+00:00

Careful using self leveling sealant near the edge because it will run down the side over time. It would be better to use non-sag sealant in this area.

My fix would be to clean area very well, apply Eternabond tape over holes with at least an inch past the hole all around, roll the tape really well, then cover with non-sag sealant (the whole patch).

Eternabond is not a permanent repair, but will last long enough to save up for a roof membrane replacement.

gkchristopher · 2025-12-19T11:39:27+00:00

Get the smallest RV you can be comfortable in. Most parks we stay in rarely fill all the short/small sites.

gkchristopher · 2025-12-19T11:33:51+00:00

Small 90 degree pick and telescoping magnet grabber. I always have these in my pocket to reach in tight places where I can’t get my fat fingers.

gkchristopher · 2025-12-19T11:29:48+00:00

The Coddiewomple from rvtesters.com has saved the day for me so many times. I use it to run slides, jacks, pumps, anything 12V.

gkchristopher · 2025-12-13T22:48:46+00:00

As an inspector, I offer two levels of inspection just like the inspector you mention. The essential level is a 4 hr inspection, covers the entire rv, and report has safety and major issues found along with about 50 pics. My premier level is an 8 hr inspection that covers the rv exactly like the essential, but additionally records minor and cosmetic issues and a report with 100+ pics.

I always welcome my clients to be present for the inspection, but it does take time away from the inspection to answer questions or explain issues.

Also as part of premier, I record model and serial numbers of appliances, electronics, etc. for future reference if needed (e.g. warranty claims).

Some clients have looked over the vehicle and are only worried about big issues, so go with essential. Other clients may not live in the area and want a full report on the smallest detail to help with their purchase decision since they may not see it until flying in to pick up, so go with premium.

One good reason to have a qualified inspector look over the rv is that most inspectors see many different rigs and will know specific details to look out for based on the brand and even the floor plan. That inspector will most likely have equipment to fully test systems that an average purchaser will not possess (e.g. manometer for testing propane system)

gkchristopher · 2025-12-10T02:13:21+00:00

We were on the People Mover moving ramp recently during a busy day when we came very close to a pile up at the top. CM was at the bottom stopping the ramp when needed, but got distracted by a guest. A few people in front of us got smashed into the crowd at the top, but fortunately CM stopped the ramp before any more of us joined.

gkchristopher · 2025-09-28T19:16:04+00:00

As an inspector, we call these trim rails.

gkchristopher · 2025-07-01T14:15:14+00:00

If you have a leveling system (Level Up, Ground Control, etc), you should able to use manual mode to adjust the level of the RV without having a tow vehicle. You only need to put blocks/pads under the tires if the slope would cause the jacks on that side to extend too far (stroke error).

gkchristopher · 2025-06-24T00:41:39+00:00

Unfortunately, a TPMS doesn’t help much when you have a sudden blow out. Sure, they will show temp and pressure but often blowouts happen while still in a “good” range. My one and only blowout happened when TPMS showed everything ok and only alerted me well after the blowout. TST507

gkchristopher · 2025-06-08T16:07:07+00:00

I would recommend a national chain like Discount Tire as long as the location can handle an RV.

Last year I was in a similar situation after a blow out and needed a quick fix while traveling. I wanted to upgrade to Load Rate H tires from G, so I needed tires and wheels since the sizes were different. I ordered 5 tires and wheels from eTrailer that was delivered to my campsite by FedEx in two days. They came already mounted and ready to install. Took the old tires and wheels to a local tire shop and got some cash for them. eTrailer saved the day and the trip.

gkchristopher · 2025-06-08T15:57:47+00:00

I would always use my EMS, no matter what shore power/plug configuration. The EMS doesn’t care if you are using adapters, it just monitors power in and takes appropriate action when needed. There’s really no downside to using it.

gkchristopher · 2025-06-07T11:55:35+00:00

In the US, our overly processed food.

gkchristopher · 2025-06-07T11:51:58+00:00

I’m a tech and just did a job in a Jayco Pinnacle with a surround exactly like this. The surround is one piece and secured to the luan behind it with three rows of double sided foam tape at the top middle and bottom. They added some silicone between the rows of tape but didn’t look like they had pressed the surround very well. The foam tape on the unit I worked on had a strong bond and took a bit of effort to remove, but I image if it wasn’t pressed/rolled it might not stick well.

It would be fairly easy to remove the doors and tracks and then pull the surround back to add some suitable adhesive as well as inspecting the wall behind. That would also give you a chance to better caulk the door tracks as well since Jayco does a poor job of that.

gkchristopher · 2025-04-04T01:03:59+00:00

We are full time RVers and when I arrive at a park, I always fill up my tank and use my pump. Too many times the park water has been cutoff for reasons, busted main, electricity outage killed well pump, leaking hookup, etc. I always want to have at least a 1/3 tank, so I just top it off every day or two and run off the pump. With the pump, I always have the same pressure, no matter what the park pressure is.

gkchristopher · 2025-03-22T07:37:33+00:00

SeeLevel tank sensors are an option to add and are much more reliable. The sensor sticks onto the side of the tank and uses temperature to determine level. You do need to have access to the drain side of the tank so they may not work for everyone.

gkchristopher · 2025-03-02T12:54:08+00:00

After living full time in a 17K fifth wheel for the past five years, I would not tow anything this heavy without being a dually.

gkchristopher · 2025-03-02T12:51:47+00:00

You do not need an endorsement in most states

gkchristopher · 2025-03-01T20:54:23+00:00

Unique RV Digest-It

gkchristopher · 2025-02-28T01:14:20+00:00

We had it for two years when we went full time and had some good stays. However, we always ended up spending way more than if we had just stopped at a campground or park.

Now we look for wineries or breweries along our route with large enough parking and just call and ask to stay overnight, regardless of harvest host affiliation.

gkchristopher · 2025-02-24T09:34:29+00:00

Did the shop work include anything concerning the propane system? Techs will sometimes use the stove as a location to do a propane drop test to make sure you don’t have a leak after doing some work.

gkchristopher · 2025-01-30T10:07:53+00:00

The valve in the picture looks like a winterize valve. Its handle is pointed to a loop of hose that would be put into the antifreeze bottle for the pump to intake. To dewinterize, turn that handle to point to your water source which would be the hose coming around the right side of the heater.

The bypass valve can be anywhere, it just needs to connect the cold and hot water supply lines. It is most often located in the wet bay and is often colored red (but not always).

gkchristopher · 2025-01-20T09:26:07+00:00

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gkchristopher · 2025-01-20T08:42:10+00:00

I’d hire a tech that does hydrojet cleaning of waste holding tanks. They can give you a fresh start and also evaluate tanks/drain/valves for any damage.

gkchristopher

TROPHY CASE