Category Archives: Camper Upgrades

Recliner Chairs for Our Travel Trailer!

Original chairs that came with the trailer

Our 2014 Milan travel trailer came with two swivel chairs. These chairs had two good attributes; the first is the material matched the sofa and dinette seating colors and patterns. But aesthetics do not mean excellent functionality.

The second positive, is they were somewhat small and fit into the seating area rather nicely.

After over 1,000 days/nights of camping, Joyce and I came to the realization that we didn’t like the chairs, color and patterns aside. Nine years of imperfect use was long enough to convince us.

Continue reading Recliner Chairs for Our Travel Trailer!

Camco 4-in-1 Magnetic Bumper Cap

CAMCO Magnetic Bumper Cap Set

Most RVs come with a 4-inch square, hollow rear bumper, designed for storing a sewer hose. To keep the hose secured in the bumper, end caps are used. The caps should be easy to remove for access to the hose and, at the same time, fit snuggly so they do not fall off during travel.

Our old ones, which were 8+ years old worked well. But the harsh environment in which we live finally took its toll on our caps.

Our old bumper caps

I decided to buy the CAMCO Magnetic Bumper Cap kit. This isn’t a review, but just a first impression and a discussion about the one concern I have with the purchase.

Continue reading Camco 4-in-1 Magnetic Bumper Cap

Camco RhinoFLEX RV Sewer Hose Kit: 8 Year Review

When we bought our Milan Travel Trailer back in 2013, one of the first things I did before our first trip was to throw away the cheap sewer hose that came with it and buy a Camco RhinoFlex Sewer Hose Kit.

Since we have used this original sewer hose for almost 9 years, it is time to do a long-term review!

Continue reading Camco RhinoFLEX RV Sewer Hose Kit: 8 Year Review

Upgrading an RV Battery Bank with Lithium (LiFePo4) Batteries

I upgraded our travel trailer’s 225AH (amp hour) battery bank with a 300AH lithium iron phosphate (LiFePo4) battery. This post will share why I made this decision, what I have learned about lithium batteries, some challenges of installation (it wasn’t a simple battery replacement), the significant differences between lithium and flooded lead-acid batteries, and the changes one may have to make to their own systems to maximize their installation.

The conversation is about large batteries (capacity greater than 100 amp hours) that are appropriate for RV use.

Continue reading Upgrading an RV Battery Bank with Lithium (LiFePo4) Batteries

Quick Tip: How to Adjust a Weight Distribution Hitch

ProPride Weight Distribution Hitch
ProPride Weight Distribution Hitch
Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution Hitch

Seems that a lot of folks struggle with how to adjust their weight distribution hitch, or they haven’t read their vehicle’s Owner’s Manual or their trailer hitch Instruction Manual.

Continue reading Quick Tip: How to Adjust a Weight Distribution Hitch

Bargman Trailer Hitch Cable Routing

ProPride trailer hitch and our 2013 Ford Expedition. I have shortened the safety chains since I took this picture.

In over 15,000 miles, I never had a problem with the Bargman cable that connected our Milan 26RLS travel trailer and our 2012 Ford Expedition, even though the socket on the Expedition was below the bumper. That changed a bit with our 2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty, which has the connection socket above the bumper. The connection plug above the bumper is a huge advantage for easy access.

Back in August we were driving home with the trailer in tow and the dash had a message stating, “Trailer Disconnected,” or something similar. When I pulled over the cable was connected and secure, but I noticed it had been pinched and the rubber covering was cut along with a wire. I was able to quickly repair it and continue home. Continue reading Bargman Trailer Hitch Cable Routing

Ultra-Fab Phoenix 5500 Tongue Jack

New Ultra-Fab Phoenix 5500 installed on the trailer.

A few days ago, as I was hitching the trailer to the truck to leave the campground, something fell out of the tongue jack lower tube. I didn’t see it fall, but Joyce did and pointed it out. She didn’t know what it was, but I did — it was the stop collar to prevent the jack from extending too far. I wrote about our Odyssey 4000 tongue jack in this post. It wouldn’t affect the tongue jack at the time, so I would deal with it once we got home. Continue reading Ultra-Fab Phoenix 5500 Tongue Jack

Camping Gear & Equipment

Click on Any Link Below to Read…

Camper Stuff I Use or Have Used

A Tour Of Our 2006 Fleetwood Niagara

A Tour Of Our 2014 Milan 26RLS

Andersen Camper Levelers

Atwood Furnace Directional and Vent Door Repair

BAL Accu-Slide Cable Repair Kit

Bargman Trailer Hitch Cable Routing

Battery Water Filler

Bike (REI Novara Safari)

Bike (REI Novara Safari Upgrades)

Best Camping Chair Ever (Zip Dee)

Camco 4-in-1 Magnetic Bumper Cap

Camco RhinoFLEX RV Sewer Hose Kit: 8 Year Review

Camco RV Vent Cover

Camp Chef Pro 60 Double Burner Stove

Camp Chef Ranger III Stove: Almost Perfect

Cargo Carrier Solutions For Your Travel Trailer

Cargo Door Handle Mod

Laminate Countertop Repairs

When Should I Replace My RV Batteries?

Dual Batteries For 1992 Starcraft Meteorite

Dual Batteries For 2006 Fleetwood Niagara

Dual Batteries For 2014 Milan 26RLS

Dometic RM2354 Refrigerator For Niagara Tent Trailer

Endless Breeze 12 volt fan by Fantastic Vent

Endless Breeze Fan Wall Mount Upgrade

Pull-down Faucet for Camper

Fagor Cookware

Fender Skirt Replacement for Travel Trailer

Fiamma F35 Awning (1992 Starcraft Meteorite)

FloJet Macerator Pump (aka the Poop Canon)

Solving Fresh Water tank slow fill problem

Fresh Water Transfer Methods for Campers

Fresh Water Tank Fill Hose Replacement

45 Gallon Fresh Water Transfer Setup

Fit System 33892 Clip-On Towing Mirrors

Gray Water Solutions For Your Camper

Honda EU2000 series Generator Review

Honda EU200 series Generator Extended Run Gas Tank

RV Holding Tank Monitor Replacement

How Much Trailer Can You Tow? (Part 1)

How Much Trailer Can You Tow? (Part 2)

How Much Trailer Can You Tow? (Part 3)

How to Boondock

How To Level & Stabilize A Tent Trailer

How to Level, Chock, and Stabilize a Travel Trailer

Interagency Recreation Pass for Senior Citizens

LED Lighting Solutions For Your Camper

LED Light Upgrade

LED Television

LiFePo4 Battery for Travel Trailer

My Favorite Camping Gear of All Time (2016 post)

Noah’s Tarp (By Kelty) and Mayfly Chair (by ALite)

Patty ‘O Mat by A&E

PopUp Gizmos (PUGs)

When & How to Replace an RV Propane/CO Alarm

Propane Tank Security

ProPrided Trailer Hitch Install

ProPride Trailer Hitch 1,000 Mile Update

ProPride Trailer Hitch 4,000 Mile Update

ProPride Trailer Hitch 6,000 Mile Update

ProPride Trailer Hitch 10,000 mile Update

ProPride Trailer Hitch 20,000 mile Update

Recliner Chairs for Travel Trailer

RV Roof Maintenance

Sewer Management

Shademaker Supreme Awning (2006 Fleetwood Niagara)

When & How to Replace an RV Smoke Alarm

Easy Stabilizer Upgrade for a Trailer

How to Choose an Outdoor Stove for Your Camper or RV

Starcraft Meteorite Upgrades

State of Charge: Your Camper/RV May Be Killing Your Battery Bank

Solar Systems and other Information

Storage Solutions (2006 Fleetwood Niagara)

Storage Door Locks Upgrade

Suburban Water Heater Re-Ignitor

Telescope Upgrades

Milan 26RLS Solar System

Sea To Summit Alpha Cookware for Backpacking or Camping

TorkLift Propane Lock

Trailer Storage

When Should You Replace your Camper Tires?

Cargo Slide for Pickup Truck Bed

Under-Dinette Shower Installation For Tent Trailers

Ultra-Fab Odyssey 4000 Tongue Jack

Ultra-Fab Phoenix 500 Tongue Jack

How to Replace a RV Vent Lid

Water Heater Hose Connection Leak Repair

Wave 6 Catalytic Heater

Wave 8 Catalytic Heater

Wave 8 Catalytic Heater: Long Term Review

Weber Baby Q100

Weber Baby Q 120

Weber Baby Q 1200 Carrying Bag

Weber Baby Q Pizza

How to Adjust a Weight Distribution Hitch

Zip Dee Chair Fabric Replacement