In this RV mod/upgrade, I installed a USB outlet plate in this video into my RV. The Wattcycle USB power panel features a USB-C and USB-A outlet with blue backlighting, a hinged cover, and a power switch. The installation was pretty straightforward, only requiring a hookup to 12VDC. An additional fuse may be required depending … Read more
This video overviews my routine maintenance procedures on my little Energizer 2000W portable gas generator. I will also update you on how it’s working after over 4 1/2 years of use. Overall, it proved to be a good generator; it always starts up and runs well. I like that it’s compact and only weighs in … Read more
One of the most common questions I get online is “How do you find those gorgeous southwest desert boondocking locations you visit?” I wish there were a simple answer, but the fact of the matter is it takes a fair bit of research. There isn’t one all-encompassing site or database to send folks to. Since … Read more
Over the years I’ve been contacted by numerous people asking “What things should I check when buying a used RV?“. To help folks out, I decide to write up this checklist style blog post. Hopefully, it will give you a starting point on your road to a “new to you” RV. This list is based on my … Read more
In this video, I update you on how ten of my recent repairs to our RV are making out. Did the work, or didn’t they? First and foremost, the rotted slideout floor repair and the cracked waste tanks, along with many other minor ones. Our Keystone Cougar fifth wheel is nearing the 9-year-old mark, and … Read more
In this video, I demo how I maintain our Keystone Cougar trailers Winegard batwing style TV antenna. Our rig has the standard Winegard bat-wing style, hand crank TV antenna. The manual states to lubricate it twice a year with silicone spray. It is important to use silicone lubricant because the crankshaft has a rubber O-ring … Read more
My wife Anne and I both adore visiting the US southwest desert region each winter. We love the snowbird lifestyle enjoying the plentiful sunshine, warm temps and meeting up with our fellow RVing friends. There is no lack of terrific photography and hiking opportunities and gorgeous scenery to explore. Over the years we have embraced … Read more
Each year we spend summers mostly stationary on Vancouver Island in beautiful British Columbia. However, once the temps begin to drop in the fall, we become snowbirds and fly south for the winter. The winter half of the year is spent on the road traveling down the west coast and into the sunny US southwestern … Read more
A little while ago I released a blog post explaining the operation of a plumbing part called an Anti-Siphon Trap Vent Device (ASTVD) and how a failure of it could lead to waste tank odors making their way into the RV. At that time, I indicated plans to install what’s called a HepvO valve as … Read more
One thing I’ve hated about our Atwood Wedgewood Vision RV gas stove top is the manual turn sparker. It functions OK but is quite loud. I get up much earlier than my wife and like to make myself a cup of tea. Sometimes it wakes her up, not good. ;) I’ve wanted to add a … Read more
A little while ago I got a call from my wife telling me the carbon monoxide detector was going off. She, of course, was a bit worried. The CO alarm was there when we bought the RV new, a brand called Costar. She told me CO detectors front writing lists – Alarm (4 Beeps) and … Read more
When working on the RV, I sometimes have to disconnect an LP gas line. When I reconnect the line, I will do the usual bubble test using gas leak detector solution. This method works well to ensure I don’t have a propane leak at that particular connection. But what about an overall leak test of the system? … Read more
In my most recent blog post and video, I covered pulling out our Suburban RV furnace for a clean and inspection. At that time I mentioned wanting to mod the screwed on access panel, maybe adding hinges and a latch for easy access. My need for quick access stems from a desire to add an … Read more
Our Suburban RV gas furnace has worked well for over six years now. We have a hairy little beagle, so every six months or so I pull the access panel and vacuum around the furnace case and grills. With the fall season approaching that time has come once again. This time though I’ve decided to pull … Read more
I’ve seen this tip or variations of it on several RV forums and blogs over the years. You use a remote oven or BBQ thermometer to keep track of the water heater temperature. The temperature probe is placed against the water heaters metal tank. Once the temperature reaches your preferred showering comfort zone, you turn off the … Read more