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EVER BEEN WALKING THROUGH A CAMPGROUND AND SEEN AN RV seemingly covered with bright-and-shiny solar panels? 'Wow,' you say. 'I wonder if all that high-tech gadgetry is really worth the [...]

Tips on how to self-maintain and repair recreational vehicle (RV) toilets are presented. Problem of jammed or partly open slide toilets can be remedied by cleaning the valve seal with a Q-tip-type probe. If moisture appears on the toilet's base, RV owners should just tighten the base bolts., Unsanitary maladies can be kept at bay with simple maintenance and repair Recreational vehicles provide several creature comforts. One of the more important comfort systems of everyday living, as my [...]

Global positioning system receivers combined with free outer-space signals from the Dept of Defense serve as directional tools for recreational vehicle owners. These devices are equipped with a database containing highways, freeways, and names of cities and point of interests., A large selection of global positioning system (GPS) receivers makes getting lost a thing of the past Getting lost will be hard to do thanks to the Department of Defense [...]

Sport utility vehicles contribute to the increasing demand for recreational vehicle (RV) and motorhome trailers. The demand for the trailers makes manufacturers of RVs such as Alfa Leisure, Bigfoot Industries and Curtis Industries improve their products offered to travel enthusiasts., Rigs designed to carry 'adult toys' while providing a high level of creature comforts are gaining in popularity TECHNICAL Action-oriented, multifunctional and capable of accepting heavy-duty use, sport-utility trailers and [...]

Care must be taken in selecting the proper hitch to fit a travel trailer and its tow vehicle. Different classes of hitches, various hitch hardware and unconventional hitch designs are presented to ensure easier and safer towing., Choosing the right 'connection' can make towing safer and easier TECHNICAL The process of selecting a conventional travel trailer and the proper tow vehicle that meet your needs is fraught [...]

Upgrading a manufacturer-installed recreational vehicle (RV) audio system is easy and cost effective. RV owners can buy a high quality car stereo and install it themselves. Installing an audio system involves physically mounting the unit and connecting the power, speakers and the antenna., DO-IT-YOURSELF Many RVs' audio systems have large, impressive-looking faceplates and are meant to look like 120-volt AC home stereos. However, their sound quality may be poor because their internal circuitry [...]

The process of converting a recreational vehicle's airconditioning system to accommodate the use of environmentally friendly R-134a refrigerant is described. However, it is likely that the retrofitted system will be less effective than the original system that utilizes freon., Retrofitting a system to use environmentally-friendly R-134a refrigerant may be easier and cheaper than the experts first believed TECHNICAL Several years ago a group of scientists determined that chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) [...]

Tow and recreational vehicles can negotiate mountainous terrains better by equipping them with gear splitters. Gear splitters offer quicker acceleration, better downhill braking, smoother engine operation, more powerful hill-climbing and possibly improved fuel economy., If you've ever driven your tow vehicle or motorhome through mountainous terrain, there have probably been at least a few times when you found yourself wishing for an extra transmission [...]

Fifth-wheel trailer owners can choose from a variety of fifth-wheel hitches for attaching their trailers to their tow vehicles. Some hitches merely offer a safe connection but others provide other features such as side to side pivot and shock-absorbing suspension., RVers can choose from a wide variety of fiver hitches for many different applications FEATURE If you're going to tow a fifth-wheel trailer, you will need a fifth-wheel hitch, and [...]

Many recreational vehicle enthusiasts use deep-cycle 6-volt batteries for their external power requirements. However, such batteries are difficult to store because of their bulk. Several tips on how to construct a battery case out of an old ice chest are presented., An ice chest makes an ideal container for high-capacity, odd-size batteries DO-IT-YOURSELF One hundred years ago when the pioneers were loading their Conestoga wagons, they didn't have to worry about [...]

Surge suppressors protect recreational vehicle appliances from electrical transient by lowering the voltage of power lines in integrated circuits to a safer level. The devices are installed at electrical outlets and can protect both AC and DC appliances., PORT WASHINGTON, N.Y., May 15 /PRNewswire/ -- Nytest Environmental Inc. (Nasdaq: NYTS), a leader in providing specialized analytical services for the accurate measurement of hazardous wastes, has reported results for [...]

Propane is a safe fuel for RV equipment as long as it is handled with care. Safety tips for checking propane levels, filling containers, checking for leaks, maintaining appliances and using detectors and regulators are presented., PROPANE, OR LIQUEFIED-PETROLEUM gas (LP-gas), is a 'natural' fuel for RVs. Because of its portability and resistance to temperature extremes, LP-gas has been used in RVs since the early years. [...]

Absorption refrigerators used in recreational vehicles need special attention when used in very hot weather. Refrigerators should be started several hours before a trip and should be defrosted on a regular basis. The door should not be opened longer than necessary., THE ULTIMATE performance test for the RV absorption refrigerator occurs when ambient temperatures are very high. Absorption refrigerators are silent, can withstand the rigors of highway travel and use far [...]

A recreational vehicle's battery will be affected by ambient temperature and other factors. Usage patterns and and recharging methods will affect the life of the battery. Tips on purchasing a battery and maintaining it are given., Inadequate battery reserve power has long been the Achilles, heel of RVers who like to get away from the usual trappings of civilization, including hookups. While an AC generator can [...]

Power inverters supply an efficient and quiet source of 120-volt power and can make operating RV appliances like microwave ovens convenient when no hookups are available. Various models available and their features are described, and a list of sources is included., Rare is the RV owner who has not wished at some time for a quiet, dependable source of 120-volt AC power while parked away from hookups. When you're camped with [...]

An upgraded exhaust system will will improve a tow vehicle or motorhome's performance and increase the life of the vehicle. Manufacturers of exhaust systems, headers, catalyst-back/muffler tailpipe systems and hybrid systems are listed, with addresses included.

A host of accessories for automobiles, recreational vehicles and trucks debuted at the Specialty Equipment Market Assn's annual SEMA Show held in Las Vegas, NV, in the fall of 1998. These include Reese Outfitter's Outfitter Adventure System, Hide 'n Side's Truck Storage Hide 'n Side pickup box kits and Goodyear's light and medium truck tires., Each year, members of the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) gather in Las Vegas, Nevada, to exhibit accessories earmarked for automotive, RV and truck enthusiasts. Last fall's SEMA Show spotlighted [...]

The Stemco Hubodometer is a simple instrument for measuring mileage in travel trailers and recreational vehicles. It is easy to mount and has a guaranteed accuracy of within 2% over the life of the tire. The Hubodometer also comes with a 500,000-mile warranty., Axles on travel trailers and fifth-wheels should be serviced every 12,000 miles or at one-year intervals, and sooner or later may need new seals and bearings. Since trailers are not [...]

A process for building a custom satellite dish mounting system for recreational vehicles is presented. The system places the satellite dish over the top of the RV and allows the dish to be swiveled 360 degrees. All the parts can also be purchased from any hardware or retail stores., It's not uncommon to find satellite dishes mounted on roofs that seek, find and lock into a signal with the touch of a button. The less exotic versions work like [...]

Hitching up a trailer is made easy with the Swift Hitch Laser Assisted Backing Aid which uses laser beams and triangulation to accurately position a coupler over a ball. The kit is priced at $179.95., PRODUCT EVALUATION Hitching up a wailer has always been one of those love-hate experiences. It's great to get the trailer on the road, but the hitching process can sometimes turn [...]

Recreational Industries Co.'s Eide boat loader allows a recreational vehicle enthusiast to place the boat on top of a trailer instead of towing it. The system is easy to install and a 12-volt DC connection to the vehicle's battery allows it to be winch-powered., When trailering a boat is not practical, cartopping is the answer. PRODUCT EVALUATION Family harmony and top-loading a boat would seem to have little to do with one another. But [...]

Kargo Master's new powder-coated aluminum roof rack fits on SUV roofs and truck shells. Three sizes are offered: 42x50 inches, 42x60 inches and 52x60 inches (on all, the height is [...]

For a neat mini-countertop trash container, use a large coffee can as abase. Cutout the center of the plastic lid, leaving a 1/2-inch rim. Place a plastic vegetable bag in [...]

New from Steve Stillen Sport-parts is its Pro-X dyno-tested and engineered pickup exhaust system. A variety of rear and side-exit locations are available in both stainless-steel or aluminized construction for [...]

I do a lot of reading in the throne room and there's not much room for books and maps, so I decided to install a rack that stores magazines, a [...]

I was never happy having to stow my sewer hose elbow inside one of my trailer compartments. Even though I rinsed it clean before putting it away, it just didn't [...]

'Solar control' has many benefits One thing all RVers enjoy is having their rigs cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Window tinting can help do both. Otherwise [...]

I have a 1994 Chevy 2500 two-wheel drive pickup with a 7.4-liter V-8 and 3.73:1 axle ratio. It pulls a Hitchhiker II fifth-wheel up 8-to 9-percent grades in Utah. I'm [...]

Our one-piece fiberglass shower is terrific, except for the angle of its built-in corner soap dish; it's impossible to keep a bar of soap on it. To solve this problem, [...]

We've found a no-cost way to keep the sewer smell out of our RV while traveling. When we get ready to go down the road, we put the plugs in [...]

A unique, movable ball-mount attachment is designed to ease road shock and jouncing on concrete highways RVers are always looking for ways to improve their tow vehicle-and-trailer combos, and addressing [...]

The latest in new accessories for tow rigs appeared at this year's aftermarket parts trade show When it comes to displaying all the new toys and goodies that make up [...]

Hypermax Engineering offers a new taper-core intercooler that's designed to overcome the limitations of factory intercoolers as power exceeds the 300-hp level. This intercooler uses a taper-sized core to maximize [...]

Whether you're looking for vehicle tests, obsolete RV parts, schedules of upcoming trade shows or insurance for your fifth-wheel, www.rv.net is just a mouse click away. Sponsored by Affinity Group [...]

GOODWRENCH TOOLS GM's 11-piece combination-wrench set is packaged in its own storage case. All wrenches have the patented Surface Grip, which gives greater socket torque with less chance of rounding [...]

Built for the RVer who never seems to have enough organized storage space PRODUCT EVALUATION Towing with a truck, sport-utility vehicle (SUV) or a van allows owners to store items [...]