Differential Cooling
May 15, 2012
I recently heard that it is a good idea to have additional cooling capacity for my 2010 RAM 2500 rear differential. My truck is a 2010 Dodge RAM 2500 diesel and I tow a 32-foot Wildcat fifth- wheel that is around 10-to-12 thousand pounds. Is this something that makes sense or just hype to sell these... Read more »
10-Minute Tech: Strain-Saving Trailer Jack Block
May 10, 2012
Here is how I made an A-frame jack block that saves considerable time and strain when hitching and leveling a travel trailer. Folks with manually cranked jacks will really appreciate the work it saves. Using 2-by-5-inch boards and nails or screws, assemble a stair-stepped platform (see diagram). After... Read more »
RV Clinic: RV Salvage
May 8, 2012
We recently did some damage to our Cougar fifth-wheel trailer and need to replace a slide fascia. Because of the shape and size, shipping is expensive going through a dealer. We are wondering where the RV units go when they are wrecked. Is there a salvage yard some place in the Midwest we could access... Read more »
10-Minute Tech: Leave a Light On
May 3, 2012
Here’s a simple porch light project for neighborly campers that costs around $35 and breaks down for transport. It’s only plastic, but that’s part of its beauty. Start with a 1-foot-diameter plastic planter, and precut some plywood top and bottom center supports. The 2-inch white plastic... Read more »
RV Battery Basics: Get the Best Performance
Ken Freund
May 1, 2012
Batteries are the silent servants of unplugged camping, providing us with light, entertainment and other important functions. Yet many pay no attention to them until there’s a problem — which unfortunately is often too late for the batteries. Design Types Heavy-duty batteries designed for RV’s... Read more »
10-Minute Tech: Maintenance Minder
April 27, 2012
I just bought a new truck and expect to give it the same care and attention that permitted me to get top dollar for my old one. It’s really simple. My maintenance schedule is based on a 3,000-mile interval reminder. Using a label maker, I first make a strip that reads: “Next service check... Read more »
Replacing Dual-Pane RV Windows
E. Don Smith
April 25, 2012
Fogging of dual pane windows in RVs is, unfortunately, a fact of life for many owners. Dual pane windows have been widely used in houses for decades and their energy savings are well documented, which is a major reason why they are also used in RVs. The air layer between the glass panes provides a huge... Read more »
RV Clinic: RV Oven Too Hot
April 24, 2012
We have a 2001 Jayco Designer with an Atwood stove. Every time I turn on the oven it goes way past the designated temperature. Someone told us to put a piece of ceramic tile in the bottom. I did, but there was no difference. Then when I put it on the lower rack, it broke. I have to open the door and... Read more »
Travel Trailer Hitch Bounce
April 17, 2012
We recently retired and purchased a KZ Sportsman Classic with one axle. It weighs 2,700 pounds and measures 15 feet long. We tow it with a 2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee that is rated to tow 3,500 pounds. During our first outing, with slight exaggeration, it felt like we were in a small boat in a choppy sea.... Read more »
10-Minute Tech: Pull-Top Magic
April 13, 2012
Take the pull-top cap off of a quality water bottle (the type that you can pull up to let water out and then push down to close off the flow) and thread it onto a quart-sized bottle of motor oil. This has several advantages. First, it allows you more control over your oil bottle, reducing the chances... Read more »
