Welcome to our TIPS & TRICKS page.

 We use a three-stage RV water filter system in our rig. It is made to hang from the underside of the RV below the wet bay. We used hook & loop style straps with eyelets and carabiners to hang from d-rings installed just behind the side skirting of the RV. Kevin, being a DIYer, connected the filters in series using brass fittings allowing enough space for the straps to be wrapped around the brass pipe nipple then attached to the d-rings using the carabiners. The picture shown isn't the actual set

The trailer breakaway switch is a very important safety item for trailers equipped with a braking system. These systems should be periodically tested to make sure they are functioning properly. If the towable becomes disconnected from the tow vehicle while the breakaway cable is correctly connected to the tow vehicle, upon separation, the breaks (if equipped) on the towable will engage slowing and stopping its motion.

If your tow vehicle or towable doesn't already have one, a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) is a worthwhile addition. A TPMS provides early warning of tire problemson your RV or tow vehicle. Some systems let you set custom thresholds and will alert the driver if tire pressure or temperature fallsoutside the specified range.

 For travel trailer owners who have a tow vehicle with a tailgate equipped with a rear-view camera. You can wrap one or both support cables around the latch bolt to hold the tailgate partially open allowing the rear-view camera to point directly above the ball mount. 

WARNING: Back slowly to trailer as this TIP & TRICK changes the viewing angle and you will not see the trailer tongue or any other objects until they appear into the now downward view.

Protecting you RV's electrical system from unexpected power issues is recommended. There are many types and styles but do your research because you want to have the protection you need when you need it. Inadequate voltage from the source like a power pedestal at a campground or just a simple 120 volt receptacle from your home. Pictured are examples of a hardwired serge protector EPO and as well as a wired style. The one on the left is the one we currently are using.

Propane cylinders, most RV's have them. The debate over whether you can travel with them open or not has been going on for some time. My recommendation is to turn them off while traveling. You have an open flame just to the inside of your sidewall of your RV and as the wind whips by it can disrupt that flame and possibly cause a not so good situation. Many refrigerators run on LP as well as electricity so let the electricity do the work while in transport mode. 

When connecting to a power source whether it is a pedestal at the campground, a receptacle at your home or a mooch docking sight, be sure to turn off the source breaker first. Also turn off all unnecessary devices or appliances in your RV before connecting to power.  

If you have a slide out that uses a series of cables like what is shown in the picture, you might want to do this tip. Once you have extended your slide out, give the IN button a quick tap to release the tension on the cables. This will extend the life of your cables. Do the same for when the slide is retracted in store or travel position.  Leaving tension on the cables for long periods of time will stretch the cables which can weaken them causing premature failure.

Did you know that when traveling in your RV, the RV can experience earthquake like situations? As with many of our roads in our highway system, it can be just like being in an actual earthquake and imagine what your RV is experiencing while traveling these roadways.

If for any reason you smell ammonia when you open your entry door to your RV or when you pass the external vent for your refrigerator. You may have just found out that your refrigerator just went out. The ammonia smell is an ingredient of the refrigerant used in RV refrigerators. Correction: Replace cooling Unit or replace the complete refrigerator.

WATER IS YOUR FRIEND! Water along with tank treatments are essential ingredients in every black tank to help break down solid waste in the tank as well as controlling odors. If you are boon-docking and your stay is going to be lengthy, you may want to conserve water as needed to prevent filling your tanks prior to departure.

How clean are your holding tanks? Are you sure? Get your tanks power washed. That's right, power washed. PMRVW offers a power tank cleaning service that cleans the tanks internally, getting rid of the nasty critters that linger as well as improve sensor reliability. This service is recommended at least once per year.

NOTE: Tank cleaning does require full hookups for thorough cleaning.

Regularly sanitizing your RV's freshwater tank kills harmful bacteria, removes slimy biofilm, and eliminates unpleasant odors or off-tastes in your drinking water. The best time to do this is in the spring, right after you de-winterize your RV. The standard recommendation is 1/4 cup (2 ounces) of regular, unscented household bleach (5% to 6% sodium hypochlorite) for every 15 gallons of tank capacity. Contact PMRVW info@pmrvw.com or 402-746-4262 for more info on how to sanitize your freshwater system.

It is recommended to switch off your water pump to turn off the city water connection when planning to be away from your RV for a long period of time. Why? There is always a chance that the freshwater system could spring a leak and when this happens while you are away, you may return to a water mess inside your RV. It could be minor or it can very destructive, especially when the water breaches an insulated underbelly. Better to be safe than sorry.

A mistake made by some is connecting their 30-amps @ 120 volts RV to a 30 amps @ 240 volts power supply. If you are unsure, confirm if the receptacle has been wired as 30 amps @ 120 volts like RV parks and campgrounds and not 30 amps @ 240 volts. The electrician that installed the receptacle will know the difference but confirm to be sure. 50 amps RVs don’t to have to worry unless you are dog boning from this 30 amps power supply. 

Water heater heating elements can fail for various reasons. This one failed due to water conditions. The RV was a Park Model type and wasn't very old, which is being used as a weekender. This element lost continuity due to the excessive corrosion. Luckily the customer was able to claim the repairs under their insurance. Check in to filters and possibly a water softener in applications such as this.

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