2 things I noticed about the oil change. Make sure you look at the old filter and verify it has the seal on it. And not still stuck to the engine. Fill new oil filter to prevent dry engine start up. Thanks for your efforts in helping veterans. Army Veteran here.
Hi Phil, You are correct about doing simple maintenance on your RV. I've been a mechanic all my life and there's nothing I can't fix. Just doing small tasks give you the confidence to learn more. You did a fine job with this entire job. I really enjoy your channel.
Great Video! Got same pump issue on My Tiffin 2020 32SA. I noticed last fall on last outing. Live in Utah near Hill AFB, cold now, so when I uncover motorhome, I will test pump. Enjoy retirement! Retired Military and Civil Service here!
Great video! Put the part in your left hand, with right hand wrap threads moving away from you (wrapping clockwise). Give it three to four good tight wraps. Hope that helps!
Thanks for sharing this look at a number of maintenance tasks that most of us need to be paying attention to. As a relatively new RV owner, I really appreciate the effort you guys put into making this video!
There are soo many reasons I LOVE following you but your humility is #1. You ALWAYS share and give helpful information; you don't come off as know it alls but people who genuinely want to share info that will HELP others. Keep the videos coming!
Phil, just wanted to give you a tip on the throne leaking water in the bowl. As part of say yearly maintenance if you take some wet 220 emery cloth and rub it in the grove of the seal where the flushing ball rides to remove any calcium or said deposits. My wife and I are retired part timers out of Canyon Lake Tx and enjoy you and the wife adventures and tips. 2002 Newmar Dutch Star 36’ Cummins - Allison that is just broke in at 130, miles. They require maintenance all their life on the road! Thanks Texans.
Much of this maintenance and trouble shooting can be a daunting task. For people that buy their first RV and have no idea what to do when issues arise your video content is really great. You can't learn this in a class it's garnered over time and experience.
This old dame (me,I'll soon be 70...lol) just wanted to pop-in and tell you that you're my favorite RU-vidrs!! :-D I've watched every video and I wait *patiently* for the next video to be posted! I'm Canadian, I live in Nova Scotia and I'm just as proud of the U.S. Military/United States Armed Forces as I am of our/the Canadian Armed Forces! I can't even begin to express my gratitude for all you do /have done to keep us all safe and **free** and never forget those who "gave it all"!! :-( I have no military background and no family members were ever in the Armed Forces but that makes absolutely no difference to me. Let me apologize for the lengthy "pop-in" lol . Keep on having fun and enjoying your retirement! You've earned it!
THANK you JoAnn! This means a great deal to us! Glad you found us and that we can share our experiences with you, We do plan to get to Canada, hopefully next year. Hand Salute!
First, great channel. My wife Michelle and I full timed for three years in a 42’ toy hauler after I got commissioned and moved to VA. Wasn’t the right time for us. I’ve got about 10 years left and plan on going full time in a super C. Most low flow shower heads are low flow because of a washer/o-ring that limits the flow. All don’t have it, but most do. Something to check if you want a bit more pressure. Let me know if it helps.
We had the original plastic shower head ,that comes in a Forest River Travel Trailer, I swapped it out after are first trip to a Oxygenics 92489 Fury RV Handheld Shower - Brushed Nickel or chrome , Oxygenics 92189 Fury Hand Held Sprayer Kit Chrome Ion sale right now for $38.00. Amazon,, also swapped out the low plastic bathroom faucet and installed a Peerless higher rise , and the kitchen peerless High-rise with sprayer in one my wife loved these .
Depending on the make of pump, I think that the pump end on the unit can be rebuilt, and give you a spare pump. I did that on our rig, and repurposed the repaired pump to use to winterize the plumbing.
I must be honest with you guys, I watch all the RV videos on you tube. You guys are number one in my book. I believe that it is that you guys are so nice and honest, just wonderful people. Keep the videos coming because I am a fan. God bless you guys and safe travels.
Phil, just an FYI. I have been a Mechanic for over 40 Years and a RV Camper for the same amount of time. I wish one day to Do the Full Time Thing that You and Stacey Do so Well. The next time you change your oil in your generator PLEASE use anything other than a FRAM Filter !!!! absolutely the cheesiest of all the brands ( hey there are RU-vid Videos of people cutting then apart.) Out of all of the most common brands, Wix and NAPA Gold are the best (btw, Wix makes the NAPA Gold) Happy Trails !!
Phil, we've owned 3 RVs and replaced the shower head on one of them. Each and every one would allow a trickle of water to flow when the shutoff valve on the head was actuated. I've come to understand that it allows you to keep the handle valves set where they provided you the desired temperature allowing the hot water line to stay somewhat warm. Try taking a shower using the handles to turn of the water when you are in a cold climate and then turn them back on. You will exit that shower wide awake and a bit chilled until you leave a lot of cold water running down the drain. It's a feature, not a downfall unless saving water is more important that a comfortable shower. Jus my two cents, schwabee.
Great video. I am like Phil. Usually leave home repairs to the professionals. However, with our fifth wheel I have tackled some of the troubleshooting and repairs myself. Unfortunately, you have to dismantle empty the storage bay and remove a wall to access the water pump. Tiffin locates the water pump for easy access. Good tips and I especially liked the quick steps to identify the repairs. Great editing, Stacy.
My water pump is doing the same thing. I already purchased a spare and now that I see you had the same issue, I am confident the new pump will do the trick.
This was very informative and helpful...thanks for taking the time to show viewers some of the maintenance tasks with RV ownership. Your format was informational and just detailed enough .... really well done.
I didn't read all the comments...to see if anyone made this suggestion. I installed shutoff valves on toilets and sinks to allow me work on sinks/toilets without losing everything while making a repair. Learned this on our first rv.
Commander if you will turn the teflon tape spool over when applying the tape the tape will not run away and make a mess. when the switch to your water pump is off there will be no voltage to the pump. WE don't rv anymore I do enjoy watching and learning. Have a great time and enjoy while you can. Anchors away
Good learning video. Like the "attack problem yourself" attitude. I have learned a lot by the DIY approach. Great critic on shower head and toilet. Replacing mine and I have something new to think about.
I'm going to save this video for future reference. There are many of us out there on the road who are on a budget, and who live in their RV full time. We can't afford to have our rig in the shop for any length of time, much less afford the exorbitant cost of professional services. Since many of us are solo women, it would be nice to see Stacey do some of these maintenance and repairs in the future. You can do it, Stacey! Show us that women who don't have a man around can tackle these issues ourselves. Great and informative video all around! Thank you!
Great DIY video. They also make pressure tanks and noise quieting hose systems for water pumps. I'm gonna be replacing and upgrading soon. That intermittent burping is annoying as hell. Great video. Safe travels.
We installed an Oxygenics shower head about three years ago and it works great...when we use it lol. We bought a new water pump as a back up three years ago and we are still waiting to replace the old one. Thanks for the tips! Great video and congrats on your channel.
Changing the oil was easy, but that thread tape gave you quite the li'l workout there, Navy. HOWEVER...I'll give you props for maintaining your composure - just as we do in the Air Force - and not coming...unraveled...like the tape... Good show, guys!
@@todayissomeday HAHAHA! Yeah, I saw you react, pause, take a breath, think about it, throw up a quick prayer of "Please, God, don't let this end up on the B-Roll footage!", and adapt & overcome, all within .83 seconds. I've heard the guys with the launch keys in nuke silos go thru the same RV repair training as you just conquered. 😉😎 Seriously though, I always like to watch other folks work on their RVs, as it gives me ideas for my own maintenance and repairs. Mostly it just brings conviction that I've not changed my own gen-set filter or oil for quite a while, so I draaaaaaaggg my tail out and do it. THANKS...Phil......yeah, thanks a heap! Have a great week, you krazy kids!
Thanks for doing this video-I worry about repairs when on my own but you make it seem less challenging and I appreciate that. Great job demonstrating as well as a great job by the videographer.
The paused button is designed to weep also to stop mixing of hot and cold water in the shower body in case you forget the shut the shower valves off. Great video.
#1 the folks at Tiffin and excellent! Something other companies should take note on how to provide customer service. The Surflo pumps have a diaphragm issue that hey have had for over 30 years. Get a repair for your old and have a back up. Much cheaper than spending a couple of hundred bucks for a new one. Or upgrade to their better pumps. Been there done that.
My Dometic 310 has a hollow seat! Time to replace that; your right about the cleaning problem. Thanks! The shower valves are not designed to completely stop the water flow; only slow it down to conserve water. I have the same shower head and in my opinion there isn’t any air induction at all. To see what I mean unscrew the head and turn the water on. The water flow and pattern is the same in mine. I mounted mine at an angle which allows me to point it where I need it.
Phil, you are the man. Great video to show evryone that RV maintenance isn't difficult at all. If one is willing to get a bit dirty, one can save much money. Safe travels my friends. Now my second favorite retired military RVers since Mayra and I are my favorite now LOL.
5* VideoI felt like I was right there. sound was good.Thanks for the Updates on all the Upgrades! I was thinking Yellow & Light color blue green wires to the water Pump was for controls switch . The Wrong Wire Touching could blow out ALot of stuff .Check electric at 2 places (And cut off) Voltmeter Reads Right .screw on wire caps You don`t see them on cars , wires have harness plugin locks.so lest same color electric tape .Learn Your Wires. while you there Learn Your Switchs Do they need time to power back on..... ....DO the electric until . no fear. .
I know this is older and I don't expect an answer BUT seeing that seal, at the bottom of the stool, would have been awesome. I hear that is a regular maintenance item. ??? Thank you, love your show!
Nope, no maintenance item to check there. The flange that was in the floor acts as the seal and once it is on, you set it and forget it. The key is to not over tighten the bolts so you don't crack the bottom of the toilet.
Love you two. I have watched since the beginning. My husband has been sick with Cancer for years. My camping buddy is Mom she is 89. We love to watch your adventures.Hope to see you at Jersey PA
Great video guys! I really enjoyed all the different aspects you covered. Have not purchased our Rig yet. Trying to learn all I can watching your videos. Hopefully next year we will be on the road too!
Woulda' been kind of funny if Phill had turned to Stacy after taking out the old toilet and said, "I'm done. That hole in the floor is our new toilet. Hope your aim is good." ROFL! (Of course, we ALL know that it's the man's aim that is inherently bad but I wasn't really going to go there. At first. LOL) I think there is a toilet seat that somebody sells that can actually easily be "unlatched" and removed from the toilet when you're doing a good cleaning of the bathroom. If memory of that video serves, it's a solid seat and soft-close as well. Hate to tell you Phil but your toilet conversion days "may not" be entirely over. HAHAH. Good video guys... Safe travels!
I swapped out my showerhead this year for the Oxygenics. I control the pressure with the on/off switch. Try pushing it only halfway. That works for me and I am using much less water than my original showerhead.
Thanks for the easy peasy DIY maintenance tips. I like the new throne. It kind of sounded expensive at first but then I remembered it cost almost the same for a new one in our sticks and bricks when we had to replace one. Not to mention the one you got sure looked like it was a much sturdier model than the standard issue throne the RV manufacturers install. I read the blog first before watching this video - both of which were excellent for showing the steps and how easy it actually is to replace it. Thanks! Smart to have had an extra pump on hand. It made me realize I should start writing a list of things particular to our rig that we should have on hand for 'spares' for when we go full time and are out in the middle of no-where and something breaks. Just important things,, like water pumps, clamps, extra fuses, etc.
Thanks as always Linda!!! One of our biggest fears while boondocking was the water pump going out.....that's a showstopper in the middle of nowhere!! I am gonna see if the old one just needs to be cleaned out and keep it as my spare for now.
We agree with you about the Oxygenics Shower Head. We didn’t like it either, for the exact same reasons you gave. Plus, we also disliked the hose, it was just hard plastic tubing and wasn’t really segmented to move around. After 2 uses, we threw it away and went back to the original Tiffin shower head.
Seeing your original toilet reminds me of "not knowing what we don't know". With manufacturers trying to keep costs low, it doesn't take many camping trips (or trips to the throne) to notice several things that we wish we would've known about earlier. Great job on the video Phil & Stacy
@@todayissomeday Keep on passing it (and have fun)! Hope to connect with y'all soon.. Until then, I'll be following you and Phil on You, Me and The RV!
I love all of your videos. Ive never been a fan of most diy videos, because it varies rig to rig; and most people should know how to do a lot of this stuff already (maybe im just from a different generation). I like the concise and to the point attitude that go your diy videos though.
Suggestion open oil fill cap and oil will drain easier. You might consider checking to see if Wix makes a filter that will fit, might do a better filtering. O’riley’s carries them. I used Fram for 40 years, but they aren’t what they used to be. I also use Amsoil synthetic in all small engines, but each his own.
After having our fifth wheel for about one month our toilet flush lever would snap open and then sometimes not close all the way. Called up the dealer to take our rig in and it took a week before we could even take it in and then three weeks before they would even look at it. There’s a lot more to the story and they did finally replace it. I wish I would’ve just done it myself. Thanks for another great video
Completely agree with you regarding the oxygenics shower head. We put it in our previous fifth wheel because I kept reading how awesome it was. We really didn’t like it. We have a different fifth wheel now and have no plans to put it in this one. We like the stock shower head more. Safe travels!
Nicely done my friends our red has the same issue with the throne and the water pump. We have a pump considering the new toilet. By the way had the faucet fail in the shower and had water running down the back of the shower and that caused a mold issue on the bedroom carpet. We now have hard wood floors in our bedroom. To the tune of 1600.. Call for details if you're interest. The floor is beautiful and much easier to maintain than carpet. But any way good job on all your projects Phil. You are better at it than you think. Mike
We can do that.... you can't put down flooring over 10 mil. They put down lewan sheets underneath over top of the osb. It took 4 hours to take the bedroom apart install the floor and custom make new molding. Then put the entire bedroom back together. MS RV 6 miles from red bay former tiffin employees. Mike Ps you got Facebook pictures
Phil, The best way that I have found to wrap Teflon tape is to; Hold the part in my left hand with the threads I'm going to wrap pointing up. Hold tape in right hand and wrap clockwise. Give it a try.
Chichi po'y. Baffroom. Now y'all speak my language. Most important thing in RV for me! Y'all wait while I go change oil/filter on my F150..., be right back.
Funny... as you were working with the wires at the pump, I was moving my hands trying to help you out. When you use the plumbers tape, you have to do it in a clockwise direction. Great video....
Great job Phil! We haven't switched out our toilet, (yet) as ours is a ceramic, so I'll assume it's pretty heavy...but so far so good, and I recently changed both the engine (Cummins) and generator (Onan) oil. I also switched out the 'quite large' oil filter on the Cummins, as well as both fuel filters...all by the way, for the first time. I, like you am not an electrician, but on our last trip the bathroom light stopped working, so I did my checks, found the switch and light pedestal where all fine, so inside our bathroom medicine cabinet, the very top panel is screwed in, so I removed that and followed the wiring up into there, and found a connection that was all black (burned looking) so I switched that out, and all is back working again! I've not had anything ripped off the roof as of yet, but can see where the fibreglass has been scratched by branches over time, albeit nothing extreme. After washing the roof, I take my tube of 'Dictor sealant' and dab a bit here and there where I think it might be needed. Oh, and I just recently installed my Bi-225 battery isolator, where in the end, wasn't as hard as I thought it would be...BUT, I did have to be very careful, as both of the large positive cables where still 'live' so I had to be careful they didn't touch anything. I couldn't figure 'easily' how to kill the power to them, without disconnecting our Lithium batteries, so I just worked very slowly and carefully, and it all worked out just fine. When I start up my Onan, I'm seeing 100 Amps flowing to the batteries for a while, and then notice the generator RPM diminish, going to the next phase of the final top-up! I've switched out the step motor (easy) but now see a seal in one of the windows has leaked, as it seems to fog up...so that's next on the list! Like you, I've switched out the water pump, and I also put in a new water filter system (white one, above the water pump) as I was getting some leakage from the gasket off and on, even with new gaskets. I do need to make an appointment to get my serpentine belt checked (unsure of when the previous owner changed it last), as well as a new air line drier, and have them check for any grease nipples I might have missed when I did that last! Weather permitting, I don't mind doing most jobs on the rig, and actually enjoy doing so, giving one that pleasant feeling of 'I accomplished something today!" feeling! Stay safe you two!
Wow Dale.....nicely done! It is a great feeling when you knock those items off the list! Do you have a Tiffin? If so, where did you install the BIM? I need to get mine installed.
Just a fyi, I would recommend a different oil filter Fram is not a great filter, I know it cross referenced with the original filter but I would definitely change to a better oil filter, of course I would use the manufacturer recommended, if to expensive, mobile one oil filters are great filters.
Pipe tape should have 2+ raps (a few more will hurt nothing) in the direction you tighten on (Old saying.. righty tighty, lefty loose.) Put it on "righty tighty".. threads will bind with the tape and stop the leak. If you do it (lefty loosey) the tape can turn will the threads and open a leak and no one wants to do it twice..
Good information. Nice and concise. In the past, I have had to change the radio/camera monitor and the thermostat on our coach. Taking pictures on my iPhone was always helpful when doing the re-install with electrical items.
Good video. Just FYI, the water pipe fittings on the shurflo pump are flare fittings so water tight seal is created by the flare of connector mating with taper inside pump not the threads. So putting plumbers tape on threads is not helpful or advisable. This is true for all flare fittings. Just make sure mating parts are clean and tight and it should be ok. Also you can gets parts to rebuild that pump and keep it for a spare. It may just need to be taken apart and cleaned out.
Great video. I have changed toilet, shower head, and water pumps a few time and even have done it for others. It's amazing you hit something hard enough to take off the Max Air cover and not hear it. That takes a pretty good hit. My luck would have been to it fly off and smash the windshield of the towed.
Hey Phil, this is Ed, we met you a few weeks ago back at the Navy Base...unfortunately we did not get to meet Stacy but maybe someday! It was great talking with you for that short time and maybe someday we can talk again. Anyway, just wanted to reach out and say hello, still watching your videos and dodging the potholes here at the campground. LOL... Deanne says hello too :-) God Bless!!!
Hey Ed. It is always great to chat with like minded folks!! I am counting down the days for you two so you can get on the road and start enjoying all that our great country has to offer!!! Go Navy!
Y’all rock! When you were changing the air filter on the generator, I watched you remove the wing nuts over the grass with no problem. I would probably have have had to make a trip to the store to get new ones after I dropped them in the grass. LOL
"There's all the pieces." You are so cute, Phil! I'm going to watch this again tonight when my hubby gets home from work. He enjoys these "how-to" videos even more than I do. We are so looking forward to getting our RV soon, maybe even next year! Thanks you two, for another helpful video.
I would strongly recommend to improve those electrical connections. A good way would be to install a small plastic connection box, IP44 or IP55 rated, you could place this on the right hand side of the pump, a bit higher up. I would recommend "Wago" type connectors too, they work much better then the screw heads. The setup you have right now is a potential fire hazard, the electric current is not shielded at all in a potentially wet environment. If something starts leaking, things can go south really fast. You can fix this issue really fast and cheap. I would gladly do this for free for you, but I'm based in Europe. If you need more advise, feel free to contact me, I would hate to see your RV burn down.
@@todayissomeday I'm not surprised it came from the manufacturer like this. It's a shame, because the mechanics you visited at the factory did some real nice jobs. I'm a truck mechanic myself with one of the biggest truck manufacturers in the world. If I would fix something like this in the factory, I would be in trouble :-) I know by experience the American standards on electrical wiring in domestic installations and vehicles are much lower then most European standards. Over here imported American cars are notorious for their poor wiring and electrical issues. I watched the repair again and I think you're more then handy enough to fix this. Try to lay your hands on a waterproof junction box, they are widely available in Europe and dirt cheap, but I don't know if you can find them easily in America. Keep us posted on the repair and give me a shout if you need any help or advice.
@@todayissomeday One man's trash is another man's treasure. If I have to take another Navy shower I prefer the aerated head. Great motivational tip from Phil toward the end. You just can't be afraid to tackle those items. Most of the time people will surprise themselves with what they CAN repair.
@@PnwFireguy I agree! That is why I was hoping for input in the comments. It will help others decide if everyone gives an honest opinion. We really appreciate everyone who chimes in because we are only one point of view.
Your shower head looks identical to the one I bought at Walmart for $38. I don't really like it either and agree with your assessment. The flow is better than the one I replaced, but it's awkward to handle and the "shut off" valve does not shut off the water completely. I will replace it again eventually, but will research more reviews before I buy another one.
ok, just getting started on this motorhome journey. I too am retied military. (air force). we have purchased a 1998 monaco dynasty. I watched a ton of videos before deciding on what size etc. I was orignally thinkig 40' but, after watching you guys for a while we decided on 36. Now to why I'm writing. I need to change out toilet out. I don't like it and it needs to go. I watched your DIY video on your new Domite 310. Ok, you've had it a year now... do you still like it? if no, why not? if so, great. I'll be installing one ASAP. Keep up the videos. we aren't going to be going full time. I'm retired but my wife is not and she's not as sold on full time as I am. I hope to break bread with you someday down the road. Rob
It is night and day better than our old Thetford. The Dometic 310 has jets around the entire top portion of the bowl and cleans the entire bowl. It was such an easy install as well. I say do it!
We bought the same shower head and had the same problem with leaking. I saw a video from loloho and they changed the shut off valve with one that was brass and we did the same and it works great no leaking at all.
Every thing about your videos is spot on. Fun to watch. Everything except one thing....the flat top. Take the show to the next level, loose the flat or go with the hat more. Great videos.
Google and RU-vid have made me at least a "passible" do it yourselfer. You're right about self-satisfaction from doing things. I'll at least try something until I get it to the point where I have to call someone to fix what I tore up more. Ha!!
I refer back to your previous videos when something comes along that we need to do and I KNOW that you did a video on it. I just don't know if you still see the comments on these. But, if you do, did you replace the flange and hardware mounting kit stuff or just leave what was in there? And did you consider the 320 when looking at the 310? Any opinions on adding a bidet also? Also if the seal stops hold water, our good friend Chad shared how to use plumber's grease to treat the seal and keep it working a very long time. This has worked for us now for 17 months full time. Always appreciate your content and the time you spend to create and share it!
Thanks!! We did a swap out....nothing else that I can remember other than pulling the old one off and putting the new one on. We do not have a bidet, nor have we ever used one. We do the same with the seal and plumbers grease.
After having it for a while now, it is growing on us. The drip when in water standby is meant to drip we found out. Our previous shower head shut off completely when the button was pressed. The pressure is great, which is causing the splash over the top and t the ceiling.
Great video !! We totally agree with you on the shower head. We switched to the oxygenics and are not that impressed for the exact same reasons you stated. You guys are doing a wonderful job keeping Ruby in great shape 👏!
