When things don’t work like they should…

Answers to common RV questions…

RVs provide years of family fun, usually, pardon the pun, without a hitch. But sometimes things can go wrong.  When they do, it does not always mean you have a problem and need to make a service call. Often, it’s something simple. Over the past few seasons, the service department at Driftwood has compiled a list of some of the most common questions, as well as what to do when they arise.  Your RV manual will provide many of the answers, but also, don’t hesitate to ask your campground neighbors. RVers are generally a very helpful group and will be glad to lend some advice.   If all else fails, call us for service.

Remember, these are just a small sampling of common issues that RVers like us face. If you have a tip to share, use the form at the bottom of this page to send it in, and we will try to add it to our list.  That’s what makes camping so special: RVers helping RVers…

MY HEATER IS NOT BLOWING HOT AIR

TRY THIS: Check to see if you have propane and check to see if the propane is turned on.  If yes both answers are yes, try lighting the stove. Sometimes, there is some air in the propane line, and lighting the stove can help clear it. If you still can’t get heat, Call for a service visit.

HEATER STOPS RUNNING OVERNIGHT or ONLY WORKS WHEN PLUGGED IN.

TRY THIS: Are you connected to Shore Power, or using battery? If your RV furnace only works when you’re connected to the campground power or a generator, then it’s a sign your battery needs replacing or that there’s corrosion. Connect the trailer to your truck and start the truck.  Check to make sure there are no obvious disconnected wires.  If you still can’t get the heater to work, call for a service appointment.

I DON’T HAVE ANY HOT WATER…

TRY THIS: Check to see if you have propane and check to see if the propane is turned on. If you have an Electric Water Heater, make sure your RV is connected to shore power. Check the circuit breaker, and the 12V fuse panel. If you don’t know where these are, consult your RV manual. If both answers are yes and all the breakers and fuses are ok, try lighting the stove. Sometimes, there is some air in the propane line, and lighting the stove can help clear it.

Was your unit winterized? If so, did you check the water heater bypass?  If you hear the water heater running, but only get cold water at the faucet, it is likely that the bypass is closed. Consult your manual for the location of the Water Heater Bypass valves.  If you still can’t get hot water, call for a service visit.
See our in-depth look at water heaters HERE.

MY TONGUE JACK WILL NOT GO UP OR DOWN

TRY THIS: Is your battery fully charged? The battery on the camper needs to be fully charged for the jack to work.   If your battery is fully charged, or you don’t know if it is, connect the trailer to your truck and start the truck.  Check to make sure there are no obvious disconnected wires.  If you still can’t get the jack to work, call for a service appointment.   NOTE: All power jacks can be cranked manually. Check your manual.

MY INDICATOR LIGHTS ARE NOT CORRECT ON MY BLACK TANK

TRY THIS: Flush and Clean the Tanks with wand and chemicals. Fill the tank 3/4 with clean water cleansing chemicals tow the trailer for a few miles to slosh the water and help clean the conductors. Always dump and flush your tanks after every use.

I’M PLUGGED IN BUT GETTING NO POWER

TRY THIS: Use a test light (or lamp) to check to see if you are getting power at the pedestal, if not, call the campground. If yes, check to see if your main circuit breaker (and other breakers) are turned on. Make sure your shore power plug is completely connected to your trailer.  If your breakers are tripping or fuses are blowing, you should call for a service appointment.

MY A/C WILL NOT COME ON

TRY THIS: Check that you have both 110 volts (shore power) & 12 volt (battery power). Check the microwave to see if you have 110 volt and look at the ceiling lights for 12 volt.  Check your circuit breakers.
If it still will not run, call for a service appointment.

MY A/C IS NOT BLOWING COLD

TRY THIS: Is the filter clean?  Note: air conditioner filters are in different locations in different types of trailers. Generally, in a park model, it could be in the kitchen or under the master bedroom bed. Generally, in travel trailers: the a/c vent it is in the ceiling assembly. You will need to remove the vent cover to expose the the filter, wash it out or replace. If it still does not blow cold air, call for a service appointment.

I HAVE NO WATER OR MY WATER PRESSURE IS LOW

TRY THIS: Is the campground faucet turned on? Make sure your water hose is not kinked. Disconnect the hose from camper. Turn water on at hose, check the pressure. It it’s good, check: the water filter system and pressure regulator for a clog.  Also make sure you check the aerator at faucet. If you still cannot get good pressure, call for a service appointment.

I SMELL PROPANE

PROPANE LEAKS ARE DANGEROUS. Check to see if the stove or oven is turned on. If it is not simply from leaving an unlit burner on, turn your propane off at the bottle and call for a service appointment.

MY BLACK TANK SEEMS TO BE CLOGGED

TRY THIS: There must always be a good volume water in the tanks and chemicals to break down waste. NEVER hook up to a campsite septic and leave the black water valve open. Close the valve and run a few gallons of water into the black tank. Then try again.  And remember… always keep the black water valve closed until it is time to drain the tank.

MY SELF LEVELERS WILL NOT GO DOWN

TRY THIS: Check for 12V power. Self-levelers work off 12V power. Make sure your battery is fully charged. Hook up to your tow vehicle and start it. If they still do not work, call for service.

MY SLIDE WILL NOT COME IN or OUT

TRY THIS: Do you have 12V power? Is your battery fully charged? Hook your trailer to your tow vehicle and start the vehicle. Check your 12V fuses.  Check to see if there is something (a toy, furniture)  obstructing the slide. If you still can’t get it to move, call for a service appointment.

MY REFRIGERATOR IS NOT COLD.

TRY THIS: Are you plugged in, or using propane? If plugged in, check the 110V circuit breakers and 12V fuses. If using propane, is the refrigerator burner lit? If you are on propane, is the RV reasonably level? An out of level refrigerator will not work properly on propane. Is the refrigerator overfull? There must be room for air to circulate.
If the refrigerator is still not cooling, call for service.

This is just a sampling of common questions, check back for more helpful, informative and entertaining  articles on RVs and RVing

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