Very few people looking to purchase their first trailer buy something new, opting instead for a used unit that is much less expensive. According to recent surveys, over 50% of these buyers did not purchase their rig from a dealer but from a private owner through eBay, RV Trader, and other platform. This typically means there was not a very detailed walk around or pre-delivery inspection (PDI) for the new owners to become familiar with how things work or what they need for accessories.
It is important to become familiar with how every system works, what might not be working, and how to check and test components in order to make your RV experience much more enjoyable. More than half of the calls RV roadside assistance programs receive are due to owners’ not knowing how their systems work.
This class will provide information on recommended maintenance for the roof membrane and sealants, as well as the sidewall and decals.
You’ll want to check certain components to ensure proper operation and to prevent potential issues down the road. Learn about how to check the liquid propane (LP) system for leaks, for example, and proper filling of the containers.
Additional information covers how to verify all appliances such as roof air conditioners, furnace, and refrigerator are operating properly.
And finally, you’ll see how to test your rig for one of the “gremlins” of RV’ing: a water leak that will not become apparent until the damage is already done.
Class Sessions
Session 1: Introduction
2:00
Dave shows off his new purchase, a 1997 Salem that looks to be structurally sound, but which has a punchlist of systems and accessories that need to be inspected, tested and (probably) fixed before hitting the road.
Session 2: Electrical & Batteries
19:30
Components such as the interior lights, roof vents, water pump and more are powered by a 12-volt deep cycle battery. This session covers the different types of batteries such as flooded lead acid (FLA), absorbed glass mat (AGM), and lithium. Other information includes how the converter charges the batteries, how to test the converter, and troubleshooting the 12-volt system.
Session 3: Propane
19:30
Liquid propane (LP) is the fuel that provides power to the refrigerator, furnace, stovetop and oven, as well as the water heater. Travel trailers and fifth wheels have DOT cylinders, while motorhomes have horizontal ASME tanks. This session covers the different tanks, certification requirements, proper filling, and an overview of the operation of the LP system. You’ll also learn about checking for an LP leak and traveling with propane.
Session 4: Fresh Water
22:30
Fresh water can be provided by a pressurized outside source from the campground (known as “city water”) or by a freshwater tank and an on-board pump. In this session we provide an overview of how the system works, checking for leaks or non-working faucets, and how to fix an improperly installed water pump and a variety of leaks.
Session 5: Wastewater
11:00
The wastewater system consists of two different tanks: the black water tank, which is for the toilet; and the gray water tank, which holds shower water. This session provides an overview of how the wastewater system is designed, proper treatment products and cleaning methods for each tank, and some tips to keep your monitor panel readings accurate. We also show how to install a new dump valve configuration and provide a tip to lubricate the valve lever.
Session 6: Air Conditioner
11:00
Most RV owners take the roof air conditioner for granted — out of sight, out of mind. Not a lot of maintenance is required, but an occasional inspection will help the unit run more efficiently. It is important to understand how the roof air conditioner works and what it can and can not do. Cleaning filters, evaporator fins, and verifying airflow are also covered.
Session 7: Water Test & Closing Remarks
8:30
We knew our trailer had a water leak, just did not know the extent of the damage. After tearing into it, the damage to the sidewall and flooring was substantial, requiring new joists and flooring. It is important to check for leaks periodically and fix them before they can do this type of damage. This session shows how to perform a leak test and what to look for.
Your Instructor
Dave Solberg
Dave Solberg is the Managing Editor of the RV Repair Club. For over 25 years, Dave has conducted a wide range of RV maintenance and safety seminars, developed dealer and owner training programs, written RV safety and handyman articles, authored an RV handbook reference guide and logged over 100,000 miles on the road in an RV.
Bonus Material
Fresh Water Troubleshooting Guide
A Guide to 12-Volt Electrical Terms
Bonus Materials available for download after purchase.
FAQs
How do I know what the Class covers?
Every Class has a free Preview video you can watch, to give you a flavor of the Instructor and the skills or project that will be covered. In addition, the Overview tab includes a thorough written description of the Class. And finally, each Class Session has a brief written summary of the content in that Session, including the length of each Session video. You will get a good feel for the Class content by reviewing these resources.
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No you don’t. While Premium Members will receive regular offers for special deals on RV Lifestyle & Repair Academy content, Classes are not reserved exclusively for Members. If you buy a Class as a non-member, we’re sure you’d also enjoy having access to our full library of great RV videos and articles as a Member, so give it a try.
How do I purchase a Class?
First you should decide that the Class is what you want. Review the Class Preview video and the various written descriptions of the Class and each Session before you purchase, so you have a good understanding of the Class content. When you’re ready to purchase and gain access to the Class, simply click the “Add to Cart” button, and proceed through the Checkout process.
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Once you’ve paid, you can access/view your Class by going to the MY ACCOUNT section of RV Lifestyle & Repair. The MY ACCOUNT link is in the upper right-hand area of the website. Within your MY ACCOUNT, a section labeled “My Content” is where the class you purchased will appear, including a link to watch the video of your Class. You’ll also receive an email confirmation after your purchase, which will include a link to view your Class. You can access your Class as many times as you wish, and you’ll never lose access to your Account information. Just be sure to “Log In” for access to MY ACCOUNT.
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No. Your access never expires. You can view any Class you purchase as many times as you want, whenever you want.
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How do I get access to the Bonus Materials for the Class?
Until you purchase a Class, the Bonus material (any extra videos, download materials, etc.) will not be accessible. Once you purchase a Class, and go to view your Class, each individual Bonus element is accessible by simply clicking on each item. You’ll find the Bonus Materials directly below your main Class viewer frame. You can access the bonus materials as many times as you like and/or save them to your device.
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Once you purchase any Class, within the Class viewing page, you’ll have access to post a question, comment or tip in the Class Discussions. This is not a “live chat,” but your Class Instructor and RV Lifestyle & Repair contributors will answer posted questions and provide tips regularly. You can also view other Class participants’ questions and input to take part in this virtual dialogue among others who have taken the Class and are willing to share tips, answers, or ideas.
Can I print out Class details?
For any Bonus Material that is a PDF Download, yes you can. Just click on the icon/button for the Bonus element you want, and print with your local printer.
What are PDF downloads?
These are simply documents, plans, or written materials that are formatted in a way to print out and retain for reference. By simply clicking on the icon/link for any PDF Download that is included with a Class, you can print that document on your own printer or simply view the contents on your computer/mobile device.
Are there any system requirements to view the Class video content?
Your Class video content is best when viewed on a computer manufactured in the past couple of years with a good broadband Internet connection (not dialup). We also highly recommend using the latest version of Firefox, Safari, or Chrome as your Internet Browser, though recent versions of Internet Explorer will work as well. The recommended screen resolution is 1024 x 768 or larger.
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We need it to acknowledge your purchase of a Class, and send you a confirmation of your transaction. Also, in order to maintain your permanent access to the Class videos, you’ll need to Log In to rvrepairclub.com. We guarantee that we will not share your email with any third parties. You may receive email updates from RV Lifestyle & Repair from time to time, with details of new Classes and updates. You can easily unsubscribe when you receive any email.
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Because you’ll have full access to all the materials and content that is presented in the Class immediately, we can’t offer a refund after purchase. Please review the Class Preview video and the various written descriptions of the Class and each Session before you purchase, so you have a good understanding of the Class content.
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If your question is about the Class content, please use the Contact Us Link – and you'll receive feedback from the Class Instructor. Even your fellow Class participants may jump in to offer tips and advice from their experience. If you have other questions or need help, you can email us at RVlifestyleandrepair@program-director.net. or call us toll-free, at 1-855-706-3536. Service Representatives will be available Monday-Friday, from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Central time, excluding normal holidays.
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