Category Archives: Travel Trailer

Is Your RV Water Faucet Sputtering Or Full Of Air?

Camper Upgrades, Travel Trailer

 

On a recent camping trip the faucets in our trailer started spurting out air and a significant reduction in the  volume of water. This was while using the water pump, because we almost never camp where there are water hook-ups. Out campsite was in the middle of the desert and not having water would be a big problem. A quick diagnosis identified the problem, but we weren’t close to a city where we could get parts. This is how I figured out was wrong, and the solution, given our remote location.

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Organizing Backpacking Gear and/or a Camper

Backpacking Gear, Travel Trailer
Backpacking gear stored in large plastic bins located on the shelves at the right of the picture.

Organizer all my backpacking, camping, boating and other gear has always been less than ideal. The biggest issue was the bins were large and it was a hassle to locate the one item I needed.

As it turns out, the solution was simple.

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When & How to Replace RV Propane/CO Detector

Tent Trailer, Travel Trailer, ,

RV manufacturers have been required to install Propane/CO detectors for many years. 

Our 1992 Starcraft Meteorite tent trailer did not have one. I installed one that also included a solenoid that shut off the propane near the tanks. Both our 2006 Fleetwood Niagara tent trailer and our Eclipse Milan travel trailer came with propane and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors. Nowadays it is rare to see a detector that includes a shut-off solenoid.

These need to be replaced periodically. Most RV manufacturers include the owner manuals for every single appliance and other equipment installed. These are separate from the RV’s owner manual. Our Milan came with over a dozen manuals. Most people don’t read them. And if they do, there’s a good chance they have become misplaced or lost over time.

So let’s go over some information about these devices and a quick documentation of a replacement unit.

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Our RV Solar System Upgrade

Camper Mods, Solar, Travel Trailer, ,

Sizing an RV Solar System: Part 4

For 10 years our travel trailer’s 280 Watt solar system served us well. We never had a dead battery, even when camping for 30 days in the same spot. Since retirement our camping habits have changed and it was time for some upgrades. This article will look into the options of upgrading (adding on) an existing solar system, along with some of the sand traps and water hazards of the upgrade path. Continue reading Our RV Solar System Upgrade →

TriMetric Battery Monitor — 20 Year Review

Solar, Travel Trailer, , ,
TriMetric 2020 Battery Monitor

If you have a RV solar system get this if you don’t have a shunt-based battery monitor.

If you are planning on installing a solar system on your RV, buy this first. It can be used to determine your energy needs before buying solar panels. I will be publishing a guide on how to size a solar system in a few days.

This post will explain what a battery monitor is and how to install and set up a TriMetric Battery Monitor.

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Eclipse Milan 26RLS Travel Trailer — 10 Year Review

Travel Trailer,

I just paid our yearly state registration fee for our travel trailer and realized we have had it for 10 years. Ten years of use for any piece of equipment, backpacking or camping gears is my threshold for a thorough product review.

This model is no long made. On the other hand, many companies make very similar trailers, so a review might be valuable for those in the market for a new travel trailer. Especially important is the fact that most of the components used by trailer manufacturers are sourced through just a handful of vendors — often just two or three vendors.

So here are some of the things we like about our trailer and some things we do not.

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Camco Awning Anchor Kit

Camper Mods, Camper Upgrades, Travel Trailer,

This isn’t a review. It is just a first impression.

As I shared yesterday in my 20+ year review of the Camco Awning Hold Down Kit, I have been happy with the product. However, there are two things I don’t like about it:

  1. The strap that runs over the top of the awning can be difficult to set-up and usually requires the use of a step ladder and often assistance from Joyce.
  2. The strap applies force on the rafters, somewhat twisting them. Of concern is potential damage to the plastic pieces that lock the rafters into place.

The Camco Awning Anchor Kit solves both of these problems.

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RV Tank Monitor Solution: Mopeka Sensors

Camper Mods, Camper Upgrades, Travel Trailer, ,

A Simple and Elegant RV Tank Monitor Solution

Our travel trailer is almost 10 years old and the Tank Monitor has been a constant struggle. This system is the typical unit found on most RVs these days. First, it isn’t very accurate. Secondly, the sensors in the gray and black water tanks often become contaminated, requiring cleaning and flushing. Lastly, we don’t have a way to monitor our LPG (propane) levels.

In this post I will share installation tips, advantages and disadvantage of the Mopeka Tank Sensors.

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New First Alert Fire Extinguishers for Our RV

Travel Trailer, ,
Image courtesy of the National Park Service

 We recently replaced the fire extinguishers in our travel trailer. For most people, this is an item they probably rarely think about.

This isn’t a review! A review would require a fire in our camper and a determination of how well the extinguishers put out the fire. I hope I never will need to do a review of the product.

Our last three RVs came with tiny Kidde brand non-rechargeable fire extinguishers. Kidde guarantees these for 6 years. Rechargeable units have a 12 year warranty. Most extinguisher manufacturers recommend period inspections, and replacement at 10-12 years. Since the extinguisher that came with our camper is 9 years old, it was time for replacement.

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