I took my class C to Southern Tire and told them that I heard about their shop on your channel, turned out I went to the same store as you did and the big guy there quickly recognized you and showed your business card to me. They did a good job on the alignment and a tire replacement of same brand.
I run boiling hot water through my drains once a month. About a quart to half gallon hot steamy water usually after doing dishes. Never had a drain or smell issue.
Wow,. Marty you never cease to amaze me! I am a solo RVer but I am stationary with my career. I will have to get those TPMS for my GNLQ one day, but I do not travel daily with it and if I do its local. I currently live in my TT RV. 30’. I do all my maintenance and have most of my backup parts as you mentioned.. My hats off to you and Joanie!! So TPMS will be a future purchase for me. Can’t thank you enough for your :little: helpful tips. I have sent Liz with “LIZ AMAZING” to your channel. She Just bought a CLASS A & desperately needs your help..YOUR INFO AND DIY ARE VITAL TO THOSE ON THE ROAD!! Happy Trails and Many Blessings 😊😊😊Michelle Greenville FL. I used to live in Tallhassee but found a perfect set up for me and my horses.. I am one happy blessed happy camper as they say.. Gods Speed !!😊😊
Very helpful reminder and teaching video! I need to check my hood bumper stops. Already had the hood hinge attachments bond fail and had it repaired at Forrest City. 6 years and so far that's held with new epoxy using the exact technique you specify.
Thanks Martin for the heads up on the sway bar bolts on the F53 chassis. I checked mine and found several of them loose. I applied the blue lock thread and should be good to go. Oh and your suggestion to keep a generator fuel pump on hand came to good use. Mine took a dump yesterday and I took your advice so I can replace that tomorrow.
Different question. Martin, have you ever done a video on why you choose a gas over diesel RV? I have watched all your videos. Love your videos. Great source of info
Hi Martin, oh no. I just saw below that it looks like we lost Martin? I'm so sorry, I've been watching him as a newbie with my RV. I just backed out of my driveway and ripped out my Energy Management System! I'm 66 and Marty made me believe I could fix it too! God speed
That Yuck, sludge, junk, etc on your trap is called BioFilm (bacteria produced polysaccharide matrix) mixed with some soap scum. Besides mechanical removal (scrubbing) 2-3qts boiling water poured down the drain should keep it a bay. I do this 2-3 times a year in my lavatories and showers that are subject to hair capture which makes it much worse. That strainer is a very good idea. I agree the chemical route is not best practice. The slow drain issue is building code required for houses (not RVs) to keep the sanitary system (notice not drain) from overloading. Too many of the IBC requirements have throw backs to cast iron and clay pipe sanitary collection systems. I don't like RainX products. They require constant reapplication. If you don't the silicone breaks down and make your windshield hazy. There is no way to remove it. The windshield must either be replaced or consistently coated with RainX, forever... I agree the bug problem is best solved by quick removal. I've yet to find anything that works better than water. Plexus does a great job on plastic lenses. I'm so cheap I would turn the step covers around to get a few more years out of them. Great advice on the TPMS.
I have alternatives for keeping bugs out of the radiator and the gas filler. 1. On my motorhome the grill is a 1/2" grid that is also about 1/2" deep. If I put a screen behind the 1/2" grid will make it difficult to clean the bugs out. So, I found a stainless-steel screen material with a 1/5" mesh. I removed the grill from the grill opening. I used tin snips to cut it to the same size as the grill. I then used 8/32 x 1" stainless-steel torx head machine screws with stainless washers and elastic stop nuts to secure the stainless screen in front of the grill material. I then reinstalled the grill in the opening. 2. My gas filler opening was really looking gross. My coach builder had installed it with butyl rubber as a sealant. The butyl was oozing out and running down the coach wall. In addition, the capture strap that keeps the gas cap from being dropped and lost was no longer retained in the filler housing. I removed the filler housing and scraped and used acetone to remove the butyl from the filler housing and RV Wall. I then used sandpaper to smooth the rough edges on the filler housing. Then I did one final acetone wipe down of the filler housing and sprayed it Rest-Oleum gloss black. I reinstalled the housing with a new layer of butyl making sure the butyl was kept well away from the edge. I then masked off the area for calking just like Martin did and used Pro Flex RV Sealant to caulk the filler housing. I then found a new grommet to fit the hole for the retention strap to keep the filler cap under control.
One thing to point out on sink drain the clog might not be in the trap. Mine was in and around stopper. Took stopper out, had to unscrew lever just above trap and pull it out to lift stopper. Then fished paper towel through to get big clump out. Such a timely video, watched it and later that day wife tells me bath sink is draining slow.
I put window screen material that I already had on the back of my grill. It has very small openings. I have put all the 54,000 miles in 8 years on my Ford V10 F53 chassis motorhome including dozens of mountain passes and have never seen the coolant temperature gauge go up from normal, even in warm weather.
I was excited to buy those step covers after watching this, except I am sending them back because they barely wrap around my 11” steps. I sent an email to Prestofit and hopefully they make larger ones. The picture on their website looks like they meet underneath with about a 6” gap, mine are about 10”. Description says they fit 8-11” but I would say that is incorrect. Anyhow, I know this isn’t your fault, just wanted to make the point. Love your videos, don’t stop making them!
Patrick, I also have 11” steps and the covers have a 7.5” gap underneath when tied together. This is my second set. My first set lasted 5yrs. Having this gap underneath is normal and will work fine. They don’t make wider ones. These are the best covers out there.
Thanks, I ended up making my own and they came out great. I could not even get the zip ties to begin to lock as the tip barely fit. My steps have maybe 1-3/4” lip around the step so no way those would work. I emailed them but they stopped responding. I can’t be the only one. Thanks for the reply though.
Your videos rock! I learn so much from watching these. Was wondering if you could offer advice on parasitic drains. I have a 2003 Winnebago Itasca whose chassis battery drains within a couple of days. Changed all the batteries and made sure the cable terminals were clean. Not much improvement. Added an amp l start with no appreciable improvement. Had been looked at by pros who were of no help besides installing a battery cut off. I want to approach this again from the beginning. Do you have any resources you could point me to that would be understandable to an electrical novice?
That mysterious pole you show for cleaning is still mysterious.. cant find it in your store on anywhere. Can you send a link specific for the extended pole you show?
I love Rainex on the windshield but it can be a problem if you get a chip and want to have Safelite fix the chip vs having to replace the whole windshield. The Technician asked me if I had recently put Rainex on my windshield when he was preparing to fix my chip and I told him no. But being curious as I am, I asked him if it would make a difference and he said yes that their product wouldn’t “seal” properly if Rainex was present. I didn’t follow up, just took his word for it 😊
Glad to see you all again. Love your dumpster diving pictures. I have the Tire Minder pressure monitor with flow thru valves. I promise from this day forward if I ever order anything from Amazon, I will go through your store link. Have you tried to get a product you represent to give you a discount code for all viewers to use to get a % discount? Several people on the internet do. Just wondering. Well I made it to Benson , Arizona safely for the winter. I got a seasonal maintenance job while here. Love it down here. Different from Apache Junction where I was last year. Got to pull the rear passenger leveler off to send to HWH in Iowa to have rebuilt. Sprung a fluid leak on the cylinder seal. Did the driver front last year. 2006 Coachman Aurora 3480 DS class A. Hope you all made it to Texas safely. Love you guys. Always, Steve Robinson. Got your back brother.
thx Steve, *Have you tried to get a product you represent to give you a discount code for all viewers to use to get a % discount?* No I haven’t. And yes I know many folks to that. Getting an additional % discount for my viewers would come by purchasing product(s) on the sellers website. Not Amazon. In addition to that it usually would have to be a sponsored product which I have chosen not to do thus far and more than likely won’t do in the future. Also, getting those additional % discounts come when a seller contacts me, not me contacting them. But in any case, I don’t want to be seen or get the reputation of “Pimping” products. Now that could change on some very select product(s) or services IF I really believe and USE the product. But for right now I just like keeping my life true and simple.
Great advise. Also have a question about a backup camera screen. Doug do you or Anybody out there have any ideas how to keep the screen from coming unplugged. We have had it fixed twice professionally and still no luck. No fun traveling with out backup screen.
I personally remove that screen from the dash and see how those wires/harness is assembled into the screed and then come up with a fix to keep it from unplugging again.
Haven't had that problem in the shower and especially since I put in the screens. HAIR....is the big problem in the shower. I'd remove the drain plug that's there now, and fish out all the hair, then get a very small bottle brush and clean down there between the drain holes as best as possible. Get it where it will drain properly. THEN....install a drain screen and clean it out after showers. I also take my 2qt. plastic pitcher, add about 1/3 cup of bleach, fill up the pitcher with hot water and pour it down the shower drain about one a month. I do the same thing when I want to sanitize my gray tank. I wait till my gray tank is about 1/3 full. Then hot water in the pitcher and about 1 1/2 cups of bleach. Pour it down the shower drain. Now over the next few days as my grey tank con't to fill up it will get sanitized too. I just did that to my tank 2 days ago.
Excellent tips Martin!!! You da man!!! You have sooooo many hidden gems and nuggets that a lot of other YTers have never pointed out!!! A little nugget on the Rain-X 4 u. I’m a merchant mariner and learned this tip from a fellow mariner years ago. When applying the Rain-X, apply it generously, let it dry and simply rinse it off. It will last a whole lot longer!!! And, in our environment when going into a moderate to heavy sea, a lot of salt water will wash the Rain-X off in a short period of time if not applied generously. People follow the directions and wipe it off like the directions say. What this does, is takes most of it off… kinda defeats the purpose. Rain-X applied in the way I described lasts longer and just beads off extremely well and I don’t have to utilize the windshield wipers🎉. Read what the shampoo manufacturers state, apply rinse and repeat, which isn’t necessary. They just want you to buy more. Just my 2 cents. 👍😃🍻
Thank you brother. As always you provide the best! I ordered the step rugs, I've been meaning to install a pair on my 2019 Fleetwood Southwind Motorhome. I have 2 steps do i will have the spare as a replacement. 👍🏽👍🏽 Again great job!!!
Thanks, Martin! Don't forget to change the batteries in the TPMS sensors while you have them off & open. I have heard some people use 303 on the front to fight the bugs. What's your opinion?
Martin I use hydrogen peroxide to get bugs off. Put it in a spray bottle and apply lite spray to bugs and wait for a few seconds. They will foam up and wipe off easily.
Step Covers: the zip ties keep them tight enough that they do not slip or move? Do you have to tighten the zip ties after the covers get worked in to place after a few uses?
"Hey Martin" says Joni, "do you know why my toothbrush tastes funny? kinda like the kitchen drain?" Martin replies, "don't watch this weeks vlog Joni."
Well, I'll be danged! My '94 GulfStream Ultra is needing a step cover, just was thinking about it on my last camping trip, which was yesterday. Gonna take your advice on those covers! Thanks Martin
Rain-x is said to be very bad if you have a Diamond Shield coating on the front of your Class A. It will eat it. I have no experience testing this nor will I ever. I only use Rejex on the DS and the windshield. I also use 0000 steel wool after washing the windshield when I have time and use the step ladder in the storage garage. It really gets the last of the bug guts and won’t scratch the glass.
Never heard that about Diamond shield but I'll take your word for it. RejeX is for sure a safe bet. I also use 0000 steel wool on the windshield. Usually once a year in the winter when I do full detail.
If you have a lot of rust you can use a course sandpaper to get the most of it off then use a smaller grit sandpaper the smooth it out. You might want to consider applying a coat of spray paint before you put the covers on.
Here ya go Gary: www.amazon.com/shop/rvstreet If you want, just book mark this address for the future. Also, if you have trouble finding things or navigating RU-vid and my videos on where stuff is, watch this video I did. It will really help you: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-bprAsHO7-F8.html AND....thank you so much for supporting us for using my Amazon Store. We can't thank you or our fans enough 💕
Omg! I just saw another persons post! I’m so so so sorry for your loss. Your videos have been so helpful to me a I tell other people asking questions to go check them out also. Martin was knowledgeable on so many different subjects and I will miss seeing him in future videos. Again, I’m very very sorry for your loss. ❤❤❤
Gosh, I just found this page and I am loving the videos and have gotten so much info from your videos in just the last couple days . I didn't know he passed away until I read some of the comments. I hate cancer. I will be watching all his videos because its all great info to have and learn. I am so sorry for your loss of a great dude.
I have two questions. First, for the step support I know that adjustable step supports are available. For the RV'er who doesn't have the space for that ground step or does not want to mess with figuring out to get the correct thickness shim would a specific step stabilizer option be a good choice? Second, for your TPMS, I know that some after-market TPMS systems have internal sensors available. Yes, I know the internal version might cost a little more but when you replaced your tires that would have been a perfect opportunity to install new internal sensors as well provided your chosen TPMS system has internal sensors as an option. Besides cost what are the considerations, both pro and con that should be taken into account for choosing an internal sensor or external sensor TPMS?
1) Nope not for me. There are many situations where you'll still need some wood to support under the legs. Like in cases where it's muddy or the steps end up pretty high to get level. In cases where they are high, now you have one large step to take get into the RV. My portable step provides that extra lower step to make it easier and safer to get into the RV. Adjustable leg supports are also just another thing to maintain and service so it doesn't get corroded or stuck. 2) Internal TPMS on a Class A or a truck pulling a trailer is nothing like having a TPMS system on a regular vehicle. It's also not a money thing... • Class A TPMS are not compatible with any type of internal sensors • They don't make internal sensors for metal stems which you should be using • You also are going to have to monitor your tow car tires, which again may have a factory TPMS system but it will not be compatible with your Class A system • Same with a truck pulling a trailer of any type • Having my type of TPMS I can easily monitor all tires and move the entire system to another RV or vehicle • If something goes haywire with any sensor I can easily resolve that issue. BTW...that has never happened in 5yrs. Even if internal sensors were possible, it would be a major hassle to fix that problem. Just think about the steps you'd have to do if one of your internal sensors went bad for any reason. In conclusion, IMO this type of TPMS for RVer's is proven model and there's just no reason to wander down that path that ends up to an dead end. If you're interested, here's a video on my TPMS: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-2kCXRbvtoYA.html The TPMS I have is in my Amazon Store in the Tires, engine and chassis care category. www.amazon.com/shop/rvstreet thx Daniel for your questions 🔧
www.amazon.com/shop/rvstreet If you're having trouble finding the description text in all my videos, watch this video I did. It will really help you navigate YT. Thank you Charles 🔧
Thanks Martin for the tips. I tried the carpet steps. Noticed the steps struggled to close after installing, also the plastic ties broke. Maybe I'll try again.
Martin, where did you get the bathroom sink faucet? I have been looking for a 3 hole higher one and can not find any that are decent. Thank you and Joni for all of the great information.
Could tire pressure sensor be added to a 2000 Bounder motor home even though my husband checks pressure every time we leave it would be good to have them on our tires even our hookup
Yes you can add them to your MH and tow car. And you should. Checking your air pressure before you leave only verifies that your pressure is good at that time. Once on the road any number of things can happen where you start to loose air pressure in any tire and without a TPMS you’d never know it. And that’s when bad, costly things happen.
Joanny, thank you so much for keeping this channel up. I am a women who owns a rv, and do all my own maintenance thanks to this precious soul! I know it’s been some time since Martin left you, but I just can’t imagine how great your loss is. Martin has always made me feel like he is talking directly to me. Encouraging me every step of the way. At 70 years of age I need lots of direction. So thank you, you are a great blessing.
