I Have a Bent Awning Tube!

Is it possible to straighten an awning tube? if so, how? Steve D., (Neola, IA)

Love those "to the point" questions Steve! To my knowledge, there is no method in the aftermarket of straightening a bent, extruded aluminum awning roller tube. Some can be manipulated somewhat, but will always show evidence of the damage. In order for the canopy fabric to remain straight and roll up square and evenly, unfortunately, the tube will need to be replaced. I’m sure re-extruding the tube could make it like new, but a new replacement tube would certainly be less expensive than trying to find a way to make that happen! Wish I had better news for you, but I'd recommend a new roller tube.

Flooded RV May Have Electrical Issues and More

I'm looking to buy a travel trailer off a salvage site. The unit was in a freshwater flood with water sitting in there for about 15 days before it was cleaned up. Water was up over the fuse panel. The batteries were not hooked up and it wasn't plugged in at the time of flooding. If the fuse panel was dried out, it would be okay to connect, correct? Patrick L., (Titusville, PA)  

Flood waters and AC or DC electrical devices don’t mix well Patrick. Even after everything dries out, corrosion has begun and all components in the system, especially the AC electrical system, should be thoroughly tested. All contactors, switches, receptacles, relays, converter/charger, ground connections and bonding conductors, etc., should all be checked out by a professional, certified RV service technician before plugging the unit into 120-volt AC service. Many unseen possibilities should be completely investigated beforehand.

Also, water damage can be quite invasive to an RV in general. Insulation, paneling and other wood products need to be tested for mold, mildew and structural damage. A complete inspection and PDI (pre delivery inspection) should be performed prior to using the RV in any capacity. Certainly do not plug it in!

Pre-Sale RV Inspections Are Crucial!

I'm moving back to USA soon and I'm looking to purchase a used travel trailer, but don't wish to get taken for a ride. We live on social security income so we must watch every dollar. Prior to the VA approving a home loan on a house, it must meet certain standards before a loan is approved. Is there specialists I could hire to do an assessment on an RV prior to purchase? We need a unit that is in top condition and isn't a safety risk. Jake C., (Chiang Rai, Thailand) 

Indeed Jake, any certified  RV service technician could perform a set of procedures called a pre-delivery inspection (PDI), prior to consummating the sale. Look for a professional shop or dealership in your area once you settle back here and before you commit. A PDI checklist is used by the pros for inspecting and testing all the systems and components on any RV prior to the sale. Even if you must pay for this service yourself, at least you’ll know the true condition of that RV. But I contend the cost should be shared by both the seller and the buyer if the deal is between two individuals. If you buy from an established dealer, typically they will perform this service as part of the deal anyway. Or at least they should. Always retain copies of the PDI form.

All RVs should meet the standards of the NFPA 1192 and the National Electrical Code (NEC). Be sure your inspecting technician or shop is familiar with these documents. PDI check-off lists can be quite comprehensive (as they should be!). You'll find some online if you do a search. Any discrepancies found during the PDI can then become bargaining chips for price negotiation or could outright negate the sale in some cases. Use it to your advantage!
 

RV Generator Fuel Back-Flow

My generator set runs well, but if it sits for over a week, then the gas in the line drains away from the generator. What can I do to fix it? I can suck it back up from the tank, (not-so-fun old days), and all is well until I don't use it for awhile. What holds the vacuum on the fuel line? Bob M., (Redwood City, CA) 

Bob, many RV generators are equipped with an electric fuel solenoid valve that automatically closes when the generator shuts down to prevent that very situation. It’s possible yours is faulty. You can also install an aftermarket check valve at the fuel inlet to the generator to help prevent draining of the fuel line back to the tank. But if your coach is still under warranty, make an appointment at your dealer. It is a warrantable situation. If out of warranty, any certified RV service tech should be able to quickly determine if the fuel solenoid valve is misbehaving. It’s a fairly quick test and quick fix.

What? No P-Trap in the RV?

Hey Doc, I was recently at an RV show and I noticed that under the lavatory sink, there was not a regular P-trap, just a straight fitting or adapter. Any idea what this was? I thought all sinks had to have a water lock to keep the holding tank fumes from getting inside the motorhome. Craig J. (Bellingham, WA) 

Welcome Craig, to a new type of waterless P-trap. Actually, it’s best described as a waterless sanitary waste valve. I've mentioned this device in previous posts and they're being found on more RVs directly from the factory. It's called the HepvO valve, and it eliminates the need for a bulky P-trap hanging down below RV sinks or below a shower/tub enclosure. 

During manufacture, this maximizes the ceiling height in the shower area so there's no need to have that bubble skylight in the roof any more since the pan can be installed directly on the floor with the drain plumbing below. In the aftermarket, the HepvO valve will provide owners more under-counter storage space. Additionally, it does not require RV anti-freeze during winter prepping, or any maintenance for that matter.

The HepvO’s unique design incorporates a flexible, self-sealing, internal silicone membrane that opens when water is flowing and completely closes off when the flow stops to prevent holding tank odors from escaping up and through the fixtures. Because it is in itself, an effective air-admittance device, this new valve even eliminates the need for additional anti-siphon trap vent devices (ASTVD) at fixture trap arms; another cost-saving manufacturing advantage that should eventually filter its way to the RV buyer. 



It can be installed either horizontally or vertically, thereby maximizing installation options. This new design also has proven to be hygienically safer since waterborne food particles and debris cannot become trapped inside or given a chance to develop microbiological and bacterial growth.

The HepvO cannot be rendered ineffective by freezing temperatures, siphoning, evaporation, water compression, foaming, capillary action or by any disproportionate physical movement of the motorhome; all possible outcomes common to a standard water lock P-trap. All in all, a neat new, space-saving method of preventing holding tank odors from entering the RV, even during periods of non-use, winterization and storage. Already factory-installed by many coach manufacturers, the HepvO waterless valve will be gaining new aficionados from the aftermarket in the coming months. By virtue of its inimitable design and proven track record in the United Kingdom, it’s unlikely you’ll ever have grey plumbing odor issues again.

For more information, visit hepvo.com. And to see my short introductory video check this out.