Tech Tips - Blog

This TechTip is the fifth in a series of six, that covers the twelve-volt (12V) battery and power systems used in modern RVs.  All RVs depend upon a reliable twelve-volt (12V) power source,... [read more]

Imagine that you and your significant other spent months trying to determine which RV would be your next new coach. Both of you agree on the 2021 make and model however your dealership does not... [read more]

You are thrilled that your new RV is equipped with a factory installed patio awning with an integrated LED light strip mounted on the roller. You arrive at your first campsite, set up the coach... [read more]

This TechTip is the fourth in a series of six, that cover the twelve-volt (12V) battery and power systems used in modern RVs.  All RVs depend upon a reliable twelve-volt (12V) power source,... [read more]

This TechTip is the third in a series of six, that cover the twelve-volt (12V) battery and power control systems used in modern RVs.  All RVs depend upon a reliable twelve-volt (12V) power... [read more]

This TechTip is the second of a series of six, that cover the twelve-volt (12V) power systems used in modern RVs. As time rolls on, it is not beyond the realm of possibility that the low voltage... [read more]

Ever since power management systems became widely available, I have recommended their use, including using a system on each of my RVs. For those that are unfamiliar with these electronic safety... [read more]

TechTips #120 to #125 form a series on RV power sources and systems. During the first week of each month, the next TechTip in the series will be published starting during the first week of... [read more]

The Covid-19 pandemic has resulted in an unprecedented increase in the number of first time RV owners. Many existing owners have taken advantage of this opportunity to change their RV,... [read more]

120 Volt RV Electrical Wiring   It is the season for RVers to be repairing and improving their RV and those repairs have raised some interesting questions in phone calls that I... [read more]

What Do You Need? Can I Help You? With the Covid-19 Pandemic (2020) restricting the travel of many, I received numerous calls from RV owners, who are using the downtime to update or... [read more]

Patio Awning light failures: During the winter I was asked by another RVer to look at his L.E.D. strip in his awning.... [read more]

I am frequently asked by RVers about issues arising from the L.E.D. lights in their RV. Before dealing with these issues, I will cover a little of the technical side of the industry transition... [read more]

  Kwik Lube (Step), H.D. (6.6%) Silicone, Corrosion Block (2 Sizes), Slide-Out Rubber Seal &... [read more]

I receive many inquiries from older motorhome owners or those that have an orphaned coach in which parts are not available from the original RV manufacturer. These RVers are looking for a... [read more]

In this Technical Tip, I will address some of the questions that are posed when people call us looking for a lighting solution for their RV. In the next one I will address where to find common... [read more]

With new Technology making its way into our coaches, there is one component that has not caught up – the Roof Top Air Conditioner. Many coaches are equipped with digital glass dash displays... [read more]

In the previous Technical Tip, I demonstrated the difference between the two headlight configurations available in the USA. Modern cars and trucks use a standard that provides lighting similar... [read more]

I often hear this question when I present seminars about L.E.D. bulb replacements on RVs. Frequently RVers mentioned that their new coaches have headlights worse than their older ones. As it... [read more]

Some 2019 American Coach and Monaco Coach models have the option of a Lithium Battery Package to replace the conventional AGM maintenance free Coach Batteries. After extensive bench and in... [read more]

This is the third of what was planned to be two Technical Tips which provide a viable option to converting an RV refrigerator from an absorption to a ‘residential’ refrigerator. In the... [read more]

This is the second of two Technical Tips which provides a viable option to converting an RV refrigerator from an absorption to a ‘residential’ refrigerator. In the first article, I presented... [read more]

This is the first of two Technical Tips which will provide a viable option to converting an RV refrigerator from an absorption to a ‘residential’ refrigerator.   The... [read more]

  Sometimes taking a different approach to solving an issue yields results that have eluded those using traditional approaches. This Tech Tip details a story of an ongoing issue that... [read more]

In Technical Tip 103, I began this two-part article. What follows will give you some background and if you have not read Technical Tip #103 you will find it helpful to read it before this one.... [read more]

I have presented seminars on travelling to Alaska and the Yukon and afterwards I am asked: "How do I (or did you) prepare (y)our coach for that trip?” That’s a great question and one that is... [read more]

With more and more vehicle makers requiring some method of maintaining the battery in a towed vehicle while it is being towed, it seemed like it was a good time to bring this topic forward in a... [read more]

The RV community is known for sharing ideas which solve or deal with situations. The willingness of others to pass along their experience is what makes it easier for those new to the RV... [read more]

While attending a RV Rally about a year ago, my wife turned on our front (over the dash) TV and heard a loud ‘pop’ sound. The TV did not come on and when I returned to the coach, I tried to... [read more]

While attending a RV Rally recently, a few attendees commented on the failure of their towing systems. Before going into details, I’d like to thank Bob Young of the Mid America Bounders Chapter... [read more]

During a cross-country trip in which we boondocked (or dry camped) many nights, in addition to staying at a selection of RV parks, I reflected upon the equipment we use while RVing. Like many,... [read more]

 In the last Technical Tip, I discussed the towed vehicle selection process, the installation of the baseplate (bracket) and selecting a tow bar. In this article, we’ll look at the some of... [read more]

Most RVers tow a vehicle behind their coach and the convenience of flat towing on all four tires makes using a towbar and baseplate (bracket) the preferred method. That’s not to say that... [read more]

Many RVs are equipped with a combined washer and dryer made by Splendide. Our 2009 American Coach Allegiance 40X has a 2000 series, which has been replaced by the 2100 model in newer RVs where a... [read more]

In Technical Tips #82 to #84, I detailed the process for installing Lithium Batteries in our coach. I wrote a blog update in March, 2015. I thought that it would be good to provide a... [read more]

In Technical Tip #92, I detailed how we determined that our RV’s Automatic Transfer Switch had failed and that it was contained within an integrated Transfer Switch and Electrical System Protection... [read more]

Our RV came equipped from the factory with an integrated Transfer Switch and Electrical System Protection (ESP) unit supplied by TRC... [read more]

Upg rading RV Exterior Lights to L.E.D.’s In TechTip #85, I discussed upgrading the rear incandescent light fixtures on our RV to L.E.D. ones. With that improvement completed... [read more]

The Background Over the last couple of years, we have received requests for LED strip lighting that can be retrofitted to coaches that do not come factory equipped with LED strips on the... [read more]

In the last TechTip, we covered Tire Maintenance and weight carrying capacity. We learned that tires can provide many years of useful life when properly maintained and when inflated to the tire... [read more]

With an increasing number of people joining the ranks of RV owners, some of the basics need to be passed along to provide safety while travelling. One basic precept is proper tire maintenance... [read more]

RV Leveling Systems: Most RVs are equipped with a leveling system which allows the RV to be levelled prior to extending slide-outs. There are two common styles: Electrically operated and... [read more]

Replacing a Side View Camera   There are a number of situations where the side view cameras on our RV’s fail and need to be replaced. While these cameras can be physically damaged... [read more]

Over the last few months, I have consistently noticed that the left rear turn signal on our 2009 RV has been operating intermittently. Each time it was turned on, it might or might not,... [read more]

  Introduction:   In the TechTips #82 & 83, I covered the process we went through in making the decision to replace our Coach Batteries with a Lithium-Ion one and the... [read more]

Introduction:   In the TechTip #82, I covered the process I went through in making the decision to replace our Coach Batteries with a Lithium-Ion one. We left off with a picture of... [read more]

Introduction:   With the advances in Battery Technology and the proliferation of battery powered gadgets in addition to partial or fully electric vehicles, one may wonder:... [read more]

Introduction:   Lubricant analysis is a new service option available to RVers now. Many large vehicle fleet operators have taken advantage of this service and they have enjoyed more... [read more]

I frequently receive questions about using a vehicle’s power outlet to supply power to Braking Systems. Most "Box-style” systems require a dedicated power supply, terminating in a receptacle... [read more]

  One constant issue with RVs over the years since double pane were introduced in 1994 has been their propensity to "fog up” or lose their seal. These windows are truly dual panes of... [read more]

Foggy Window Repairs Part 1   One constant issue with RVs over the years since double pane were introduced in 1994 has been their propensity to "fog up” or lose their seal.... [read more]

Should I leave my Inverter on?  I am frequently asked this question and typically I respond with a few probative questions before trying to provide an answer.  Before... [read more]

Fluorescent Tube Fixtures Occasionally installing LED replacement tubes in a ThinLite® brand of fluorescent light fixture causes the LED tubes to be dim and the supply wiring included... [read more]

Technical Tips #75    How to Install RV LED Replacement Bulbs Once the decision is made to upgrade the lighting in an RV to LED's, the task of methodically replacing the... [read more]

Technical Tips #74    Bounder - 2014 vs 1994: Look how far they've come I recently had the opportunity to look at a 2014 Bounder 36K RV and as I did so I marveled at how far... [read more]

Technical Tips #73    The ABC's of LED's (Part 3) The RV industry is moving toward the installation of LED (Light Emitting Diode) light fixtures. In some cases this involves... [read more]

Technical Tips #72    The ABC's of LED's (Part 2) The RV industry is moving toward the installation of LED (Light Emitting Diode) light fixtures. In some cases this involves... [read more]

Technical Tips #71    The ABC's of LED's (Part 1) The RV industry is moving toward the installation of LED (Light Emitting Diode) light fixtures. In some cases this involves... [read more]

I have always been a do-it-yourself RV owner, preferring to carry out the routine maintenance of our RV myself. That approach has proved cost effective over the years and allowed me to understand... [read more]

Technical Tips #69    Ladder Safety - Some Ideas The Fall: I mentioned in TechTip #68 that I recently fell off a ladder and broke my collar bone which required surgery to... [read more]

Technical Tips #68    A number of issues have focused me on safety recently. Obviously, the death of three people referred to in the last TechTip (#67) article was one factor.... [read more]

Technical Tips #67    Emergency Exits  At a recent FMCA rally that I attended, we heard about a terrible situation that once again emphasized some of the basics that we... [read more]

Technical Tips #66    In the last TechTip #65 I focused on flat towing. For this one, we’ll turn our attention to utility trailer towing. I am often amazed at the size of the... [read more]

Technical Tips #65      Notes And Updates: Since more and more SUV's and pickups are being towed the "Drop"... [read more]

Technical Tips #64    Did you know? Jane and I recently had a tour of the Fleetwood diesel plant in Decatur, IN and we were impressed with the quality of the coaches being... [read more]

Technical Tips #63      Notes And Updates: The contact information for the REV Group, Fleetwood RV Parts and... [read more]

Technical Tips #62    Paint or Restripe? One of the decisions older Bounder owners face as their Bounder ages is "Should I replace the vinyl accent stripes or should I... [read more]

Technical Tips #61    VELVAC ® MIRROR REPLACEMENT AND ADJUSTMENT Since Velvac ® brand exterior rear view mirrors are standard equipment on most Bounders, I thought... [read more]

Technical Tips #60    Slide Topper Replacement After seven years of use, I noticed that my slide-out awning cover known as a Slide Topper was deteriorating. The fabric section... [read more]

Technical Tips #59    Holding Tank Monitoring After installing the Horst Miracle Probes on my coach, I discovered that the wiring to my Holding Tank Monitor System was... [read more]

Technical Tips #58    Accurate Holding Tank Levels - Horst Miracle Probe Installation Last month I highlighted a new product that simply provided accurate holding tank levels... [read more]

Technical Tips #57    Finally! Simple, Accurate Holding Tank Levels Every month, I receive a collection of trade journals that layout the industry trends, RV related business... [read more]

Technical Tips #56    Do-it Yourself Trend, RVing FuseSwitch TM &Toad Braking Systems Thanks to those readers that sent me an email after my last column on a Baby... [read more]

Technical Tips #55    Is it time for a baby Bounder? Recently, I had a discussion with a close friend about the decision he and his wife had made to sell a beautiful trailer... [read more]

Technical Tips #54    Back to Basics: RV Refrigerators Does anyone remember the old style RV refrigerators which were a giant leap from the ice boxes we had in our pop-up... [read more]

Technical Tips #53      Notes And Updates: RV Refrigerator Manufacturers have implemented a number of "Recall... [read more]

Technical Tips #52    Electrical connections that don't work I have received email requests for information on various electrical components that seem to be acting in an... [read more]

Technical Tips #51    Slide-Out's That Don't I have received a few requests for information about Slide-out rooms (slides) that do not slide out or come back in when the... [read more]

Technical Tips #50    Whistling Grilles With the restyling of the Bounder and the new front cap design, there have been reports of various whistling sounds emanating from the... [read more]

Technical Tips #49    Day-Night Shade Adjustment & Repair Most late model coaches are equipped with pleated window shades, commonly known as "day-night blinds" with a... [read more]

Technical Tips #48      Notes And Updates: With the implementation of "Just-In-Time" production and as a result... [read more]

Technical Tips #47    Let's Get Ready for Another Summer of Travel! With Spring here, most of us are ready for another season of traveling. Now is the time to carry out some... [read more]

Technical Tips #46    "Ground" Maintenance, Auxiliary Start, and Generator Start Tips I have often read messages on the Bounder "Yahoo Group" about a vehicle or a generator... [read more]

Technical Tips #45      Notes And Updates: Since more and more SUV's and pickups are being towed the "Drop"... [read more]

Technical Tips #44    Storage Compartment Door Maintenance The basis of Bounder's claim to fame is the basement which, when introduced, changed the way motorhomes were built.... [read more]

Technical Tips #43    Tips to Improve your Fuel Economy (Part 2) In the previous Tech Tip, I gave a number of examples that if applied will save you fuel whether you have a... [read more]

Technical Tips #42    Tips to Improve your Fuel Economy With the recent rise in the price of fuel, many have become concerned with the increased cost of RV travel. The reality... [read more]

Technical Tips #41      Notes And Updates: We no longer have an online parts catalogue. Check with your RV... [read more]

Technical Tips #40      Notes And Updates: We no longer sell the lights mentioned in this article. We recommend... [read more]

Technical Tips #39      Notes And Updates: The FuseSwitch is now known as the RVing FuseSwitch™ and is... [read more]

Technical Tips #38      Notes And Updates: We recommend using Corrosion Block® rather than Di-electric... [read more]

Technical Tips #37      Notes And Updates: The link to the Bounder Yahoo Group is... [read more]

Technical Tips #36      Notes And Updates: We recommend using Corrosion Block® rather than Di-electric... [read more]

Technical Tips #35      Notes And Updates: The link to the Bounder Yahoo Group is... [read more]

Technical Tips #34      Notes And Updates: The link to the articles on the Blue Ox website is no longer active.... [read more]

Technical Tips #33    BILSTEIN Shock Absorbers For those of you who have already experienced the pleasure of driving a Bounder with Bilstein shock absorbers installed, please... [read more]

Technical Tips #32      Notes And Updates: For a Copy of the Seminar Notes which included color photos and... [read more]

Technical Tips #31    Signal Flashers - Again! This past summer I experienced a situation with my Bounder, built on a Ford F53 chassis, that gave me cause for concern and for... [read more]

Technical Tips #30      Notes And Updates: Newer high quality inverters of up to 500 watts may be used for... [read more]

Technical Tips #29      Notes And Updates: The battery powered fans are no longer sold by RV Parts Plus. Check... [read more]

Technical Tips #28    Brakes While some of you have a Chevrolet/Workhorse Chassis, the following information may be of use not only to you, but also to many which have a... [read more]

Technical Tips #27      Notes And Updates: Ontario's Drive Clean has adopted a revised approach to Emission... [read more]

Technical Tips #26    Exhaust Leaks One of our members called during Spring Break to ask about replacing an exhaust manifold, and cylinder head on their engine. Apparently... [read more]

Technical Tips #25    Bounder and Tow Car Electrical Problems A reader wrote that his 1996 Bounder four way hazard flasher works for about five minutes then quits. The... [read more]

Technical Tips #24      Notes And Updates: The part numbers contained in this article may have been superceded... [read more]

Technical Tips #23    Problem Windows on Early Production 1994 Bounders There were two problems with the "rectangular windows" found on early production 1994 Bounders. These... [read more]

Technical Tips #22     Notes And Updates: Bounder Classic RV's mentioned in this TechTip refer to the original... [read more]

Technical Tips #21    Fuses & Relays, Circuit Breakers & Signal Flashers: (Part 1) As a result of receiving an E-mail regarding the location of the fuse for the solar... [read more]

Technical Tips #20    New Power Systems are on the way (Part2): In Technical Tip #19, I described the impending move to 36Volt power systems. The ability to return the engine... [read more]

Technical Tips #19      Notes And Updates: 36-42 Volt power systems have been slow in coming to market.... [read more]

Technical Tips #18    BOA International Rally at Amishville, (Berne) Indiana (continued) This is the third article on events at the Rally. Bounder Armrest Removal: Have you... [read more]

Technical Tips #17    BOA International Rally at Amishville, (Berne) Indiana (continued) This is the second article on events at the Rally. Bounder Diesel: One of the most... [read more]

Technical Tips #16      Notes And Updates: Kwikee no longer supports direct consumer contact. If this kit is... [read more]

Technical Tips #15    Miscellaneous # 2 This is the second article on those problems that occur with our Bounders that have elusive solutions. I present these solutions to... [read more]

Technical Tips #14    Miscellaneous # 1 With the onset of spring and summer many Chapter members attending the Rallies have time to discuss some quirks or problems that have... [read more]

Technical Tips #13      Notes And Updates: We no longer have the order forms for the product mentioned in this... [read more]

Technical Tips #12      Notes And Updates: We recommend using Corrosion Block® rather than Di-electric... [read more]

Technical Tips #11      Notes And Updates: The A Weigh We Go seminars are now provided as a service of the RV... [read more]

Technical Tips #10    Paxinos Technical Seminar Overview (#3)  The Fall BOA Rally in Paxinos covered many seminars about our Bounders. The following is some additional... [read more]

Technical Tips #9      Notes And Updates: Modern RV's are equipped with elecrtrical systems that automatically... [read more]

Technical Tips #8      Notes And Updates: Furnaces in present day RV's are equipped with sealed Limit switches.... [read more]

Technical Tips #7    Dometic Refrigerator Door Adjustment One of our Chapter members obtained the following information while at a winter rally. He discovered that if you do... [read more]

Technical Tips #6    Instruments & Gauges (Part 2) The Transmission Temperature gauge is a valuable instrument, protecting one of the most delicate components in the... [read more]

Technical Tips #5    Instruments & Gauges (Part 1) One of the questions asked by Bounder owners is "How accurate are my gauges?" This often leads to a follow-up question:... [read more]

Technical Tips #4    Notes And Updates: This article was written in 1997. We no longer recommend the... [read more]

Technical Tips #3      Notes And Updates: This article contains recommendations that have been superceded... [read more]

Technical Tips #2    Transmission Oil Change: Most of us know that the automatic transmission fluid should be changed periodically (i.e. every 24 months or 20,000 miles/30,000... [read more]

  Technical Tips #1    Beginning in the fall of 1996, when I was appointed as the 1st Canadian Bounder of America Chapter Technical Representative, I began writing... [read more]