The Smart RVer: DIY RV Maintenance and Repair

Summary: RV air conditioners can be confusing, especially when they are not keeping up with the summer heat. In this episode, I sit down with Will Troyer from GE RV Appliances to explain how RV air conditioners actually work, what owners should realistically expect from them, and what to consider before purchasing a replacement unit. We discuss why an air conditioner does more than simply blow col...

Summary RV toilet problems can be frustrating, but most of them come down to a few basic areas: the bowl seal, water valve, floor flange, black tank, or water supply. In this episode of The Smart RVer Podcast , Eric walks through common RV toilet issues, including leaks, bad odors, a bowl that won’t hold water, toilets that rock, and toilets that won’t flush properly. Rather than assuming the whol...

Intro/Summary Water leaks can ruin an RV trip fast, especially when they go unnoticed before you hit the road. In this episode of The Smart RVer Podcast , Eric Stark walks through the most common places where RV leaks occur and how to find them before they cause costly damage. Eric covers roof leaks, plumbing leaks, appliance leaks, and those sneaky drips that only show up when the system is under...

Summary /Intro In this episode, Eric Stark focuses on a common RV problem that can frustrate any camping trip: an RV water heater that is not working. Before replacing the entire unit, Eric walks through a simple, step-by-step approach to troubleshooting the problem and finding out what is really going on. He covers the most important things to check first, including whether the water heater has w...

Intro In this episode of The Smart RVer Podcast , Eric Stark takes a closer look at Topargee RV water gauges and why accurate fresh water monitoring matters, especially for RVers who dry camp or boondock. Factory RV water gauges are often vague and unreliable. They may tell you the tank is full, two-thirds full, or empty, but that does not always help you know how much water you actually have left...

In this episode, Eric Stark takes a closer look at RV black tank treatments, with a special focus on Solbio . He explains what makes Solbio different from traditional tank treatments, including its natural, plant-based formula and its ability to help control odors while breaking down waste and toilet paper. As the exclusive U.S. distributor for Solbio, Eric shares why he believes this product stan...

In this episode, Eric Stark discusses an RV maintenance item that is easy to overlook yet important for staying ahead of bigger problems—slide topper fabric replacement. Eric explains the warning signs that indicate it may be time to replace your fabric, what can happen if you ignore them, and why this simple maintenance item matters more than many RV owners realize. He also shares practical tips...

In this episode of The Smart RVer Podcast , Eric Stark talks about a growing trend in today’s RV industry: factory 12-volt compressor refrigerators . These refrigerators offer some real advantages. They cool faster than many older RV refrigerator designs, they fit the move toward all-electric RVs, and they eliminate propane from the cooling side of the equation. But Eric explains why cooling perfo...

In this episode, Eric Stark breaks down the #1 mistake people make when upgrading an RV toilet : assuming the new toilet will connect the same way as the old one. The floor mounting is usually straightforward, but the water supply connection is where most upgrades get hung up—different fittings, different angles, and sometimes a water line that needs to be replaced or adapted. Eric also covers wha...

Ever been plugged into shore power but still had dim lights or a battery that won’t stay charged? In this episode, Eric breaks down RV power converters in plain English—what they do, why they matter, and how to identify the style and brand you have in your rig. You’ll learn the difference between 120V AC and 12V DC, where converters are usually located, and why knowing your converter’s brand/model...

Today, we’re talking RV water lines and how to replace a faucet without leaks. I’ll cover the tools you need, the key steps that matter, and two digital catalogs that make finding parts much easier. Eric begins by explaining the different types of RV water lines and fittings and why they can appear more complex than they are. You’ll also hear what basic tools you’ll need—most of which are common h...

This podcast episode examines the often-overlooked winter diesel challenges, with a focus on power loss, soot accumulation, and issues related to the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF). Our discussion features an insightful interview with Jessica from Power Service, who explains the unique challenges winter conditions pose for diesel engines. We explore how the formulation of winter diesel differs si...

The podcast episode meticulously examines the myriad of electrical problems that RV owners frequently face, particularly those that seem never-ending and multifaceted. Eric notes that the root causes of these electrical issues often lie in the fundamental components of an RV's electrical system, particularly the batteries and converters that regulate 12-volt power. By clarifying the differences be...

The podcast explores the complex issues surrounding RV roof leaks, focusing on practical solutions such as RV roof sealing tapes and Dicor lap sealant. With a methodical approach, I explore the various types of roofs, including rubber, TPO, aluminum, and fiberglass, and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each method of sealing. The conversation also addresses the essential preparation req...

The primary focus of this podcast episode is to share the invaluable resources from RV Help, a platform designed to help RV enthusiasts maintain their mobility and enjoyment of the RV lifestyle. I delve into the features and benefits of RV Help, emphasizing its pivotal role in helping RVers stay on the road without undue stress. In our discussion, we also explore the nostalgic elements of RV trave...

This episode talks about a few big ideas in simple, practical terms: We start with why weight-distributing hitches are so important for safe, stable towing. We explain what they do, why they matter for your family’s safety, and why regular maintenance keeps them working right and lasting longer. We then shift to kid-friendly RV activities , sharing fun and educational things children can do while...

In this episode, we talk about why diesel fuel additives matter for RVers, with a special focus on Power Service’s Diesel Injector and DPF Cleaner and Flush. Garth from Power Service joins us to explain, in plain terms, how their additives can quickly improve engine performance, help prevent problems, and keep diesel motorhomes and trucks running their best. We also share practical wisdom from ful...

The show opens with a quick welcome, then jumps into an interview with Tyler Burns from Battle Born Batteries. Tyler explains why modern lithium RV batteries are a big upgrade over old lead-acid ones: they last longer, require almost no maintenance, and perform better in more situations. He clears up common worries—like safety and cold-weather performance—by sharing real data and user experiences....

Eric breaks down RV awnings—both patio awnings and slide-out toppers—so you know what they do, why they matter, and how to choose and use them. He also sorts through RV apps to find the few that are actually worth keeping. Then we highlight the Mudflap fuel app and how it can cut diesel costs on long trips. Finally, we demystify RV inverters—what they are, which features to look for, and how to pi...

RV Podcast Episode: Easy Tips for RV Owners This episode is all about helping RV owners keep their RVs running smoothly and making life on the road more enjoyable. Checking Your RV Water Pump First, Eric talks about how to tell if your RV's water pump is working properly. It can be simple: make sure your water tank has enough water and disconnect from any city water hookups before testing. This he...

The primary focus of this discussion centers on the essential task of preparing one’s recreational vehicle (RV) for the impending winter storage period. As winter approaches, Eric underscores the significance of proactive planning and meticulous preparation to ensure a seamless RV experience throughout the season. He also explores a range of money-saving strategies that coincide with winterization...

Hey there, Smart RVers! In this episode, we're breaking down the essentials for a great RVing life. We'll cover the big three of full-time travel: how to handle your mail, manage your money, and make sure you've got your medications squared away while you're on the road. Then, we dive into the nitty-gritty of RV ownership. We've compiled a list of the top 20 most common RV repairs and we'll give y...

This podcast episode meticulously examines the essential aspects of RV maintenance and lifestyle adjustments necessary for a successful journey on the open road. At the forefront of our discussion is the imperative of properly maintaining RV furnaces to ensure their efficient operation throughout the winter months, thereby facilitating a comfortable RV living experience. We further explore the psy...

This podcast episode emphasizes the indispensable resource that RVhelp.com provides for RV owners facing mechanical failures while on the road. As we delve into the intricacies of RV ownership, we discuss the critical importance of having a reliable support network to turn to when unexpected issues arise, illustrating this with a cautionary tale regarding the pitfalls of improper electrical instal...

The primary focus of this podcast episode is the critical importance of selecting an appropriate insurance company for your recreational vehicle (RV). We delve into the nuances of how the quality of service provided by insurance carriers often becomes apparent only when a claim is filed, underscoring the necessity of thorough research and careful consideration prior to making a choice. I recount a...