In this video, I diagnose and repair my faulty RV 12VDC freshwater pump. Turns out the microswitch, part of the water pump’s pressure switch assembly, was intermittent. A new inexpensive microswitch solved the problem. Installation was straightforward, only requiring unscrewing 4 screws to access and replace.
Today, I’m upgrading the 30-amp power inlet connection on the RV to a SmartPlug. I’ve been wanting one for a while. I already have one installed on our boat, and they’re so much safer than the old twist lock style you see on a lot of boats and RVs. Recently, my twist lock arced, so … Read more
In this video, you will see how I put together my cables for my off-grid systems in the RV and especially on the boat. I’m crimping some common sizes today, 2/0 gauge and 6 gauge, using my new hydraulic crimper that makes a nice clean hex crimp. It’s fast and does a really solid job. … Read more
In this video, I check out the Topdon TC004 Mini thermal imaging camera. It’s a compact, budget-friendly option. I’ve used their Tornado 30000 battery charger before and love it. I have also tested other thermal imagers on the boat to spot hot spots in wiring, monitor the diesel engine, and more. They are super handy … Read more
In this video, I troubleshoot and repair a faulty oil-filled space heater. The power light was on, but no heating was taking place. Turns out a thermostat switch (125V 16A 90C) had arced internally and was no longer functioning. The repair was an easy switch replacement requiring minimal tools. I like this little heater because … Read more
Took advantage of a gorgeous mid-January day, sunny, dry, and not too chilly, to finally replace the cracked shower skylight on the RV roof. The old one developed a large crack (probably from a tree branch), and the plastic started to craze badly. Wasn’t thrilled with that dark-tinted model anyway. This new white one feels … Read more
As winter approaches on the coast of British Columbia, Canada, full-time RV living demands preparation to stay warm, dry, and comfortable through the cold, wet months ahead. Whether you’re a seasoned snowbird or new to coastal winter RVing, these videos offer tips to help you (and your rig) survive when the temperature drops. In this … Read more
Quick video on this neat gadget I grabbed for my Starlink V2 square dish. I used to set it on the ground or strap it to a roof vent for extended stays, but now I’ve got a compact pole mount that clips right onto my existing flagpole. The mount is smaller and lighter than Starlink’s … Read more
Quick update on my Weber Q1000 grill that Anne got me for Christmas last year. The regulator kept clogging this summer on the boat trip. I cleared it with electrical spray a few times, but it was faulty, so I ditched it and added this adapter for a low-pressure line straight from my RV’s quick … Read more
In this RV mod video, I add a folding aluminium wall shelf to our RV bedroom. Measuring about 6″ by 12″, it’s a convenient spot for Anne to keep items at the bedside. I needed to mount it on thin wall board of the closet so I used bolts and nylock nuts instead of the … Read more
Recently, I tackled some routine maintenance on my trailer. I started by jacking up one wheel with a 20-ton bottle jack under the U-clamps—something I’ve done for years without issues, even though RV makers suggest using the I-beam frame. I took off one wheel at a time, cleaned them up, and pulled the brake drums … Read more
Today, I continued maintenance on my nearly 14-year-old Cougar RV, tackling some cracked decals that have been slowly deteriorating. Over time, I’ve removed several of these swooshes using elbow grease, mineral spirits, Goo Gone, isopropyl alcohol, plastic razors, and a heat gun set to a gentle setting to soften the vinyl without damaging the fiberglass. … Read more
In this video, I reattached our trailer’s plastic underbelly and provided some tips and tricks for keeping it attached. I pulled most of it off a little while ago to repair some cracked tanks, clean/lube my electric waste valves, and inspect the plumbing and wiring. I cut the Coroplast material into several sections to make … Read more
This video is a quick tip about a lubricant I use on my Drainmaster electric waste valves and rubber seals. The product is called MolyKote 111 from Dupont and is a food-grade lubricant. It is a thick, non-flowing, grease-like lubricant that provides low volatility, low vapor pressure, wide service temperature range, and water resistance. Related … Read more
I use West Systems’ G/Flex 655 thickened epoxy to repair hairline cracks in my RV waste tanks. This product is ideal because it doesn’t drip, has a low odor, and retains some flexibility. First, I roughened it with a sanding stone on my Dremel tool and cleaned the tank surface really well. Then, I applied … Read more