Category: RV Tips & Tricks

Posted on by — Leave a comment

The Beginner’s Guide to RV Plumbing Parts

The Beginner’s Guide to RV Plumbing Parts

One of the main advantages to camping in an RV instead of a tent is the convenience of having a plumbing system. That is, when it’s all functioning properly and not leaking. This convenience can also turn a camping trip bad in a hurry when something goes wrong. With this beginner’s guide to RV plumbing parts, you’ll have a basic handle on how your RV’s plumbing system works and the handiest parts to keep on hand for emergency repairs.

RV Plumbing System Basics

In order to understand what RV plumbing parts are important, you first have to know how your system works. Designed to conserve as much water possible, the following components make up your plumbing, in order of water flow:

  1. Fresh water tank or city water inlet- This is your water supply to your RV’s plumbing system. You’ll either fill up the tank, or connect a hose to your campground’s water supply.
  2. Water pump- Your 12-volt water pump creates pressure to distribute the water throughout the system. It’s not used when directly connected to a water source that is already pressurized.
  3. Hot water heater- Your heater contains a tank and a heating system to supply hot water to your RV.
  4. Fixtures- These include your taps, shower head(s) and toilet.
  5. Drains and pipes- Allow used water to evacuate to the appropriate holding tanks.
  6. Grey and black water tanks- Your grey water tank holds evacuated water from your sinks and tub while the black water tank collects waste from your toilet.

It’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with each of these components and their locations on your RV before you head out on your first trip.

Emergency RV Plumbing Parts to Keep on Hand

While it’s impossible to determine exactly what RV plumbing parts you will need in the event of a leak or a malfunction, there are some common items you should keep on hand. Before stocking up, refer to your user manual so you buy the right ones:

  • A few lengths of PEX pipe
  • A couple of quick-connect or push-on connectors to join pipe lengths
  • PEX plumbing adaptors to connect appliances and fixtures
  • 90-degree female connectors if used for shower heads and toilets
  • A few spare drain plugs

Keeping these hoses and fittings on hand will help you get through most plumbing disasters. For more help with RV Plumbing parts, visit or contact Edmonton RV Service

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Getting the Most Out of RVing with Accessories for RVs

With literally thousands of accessories available for RVers, how do you choose which ones will enhance your experience and which ones will end up never being used? Whether you look online or ask avid RV fans what their favourite things are, no two lists will ever be the same and you might feel even more confused. Use this handy guide to getting the most out of RVing with accessories for your RV.

What’s your RV Style?

One way to start narrowing down your options to determine what accessories for RVs will work best for you is to really focus on what you want from your experiences. Some people hit the open road and just want to explore with no set destination in mind, others choose a campsite where they can unwind and make new friends through socializing and still others want to focus on nature and all it has to offer. What is your RV style? Jot down a few things that are important for you achieve out of your trips.

Break Down Categories for RV Accessories

Your Edmonton RV Service team are in the business because we love RVing and we’ve used our experience to come up with categories that will make your choices easier. Use the following categories as a guide to start figuring what accessories for RVs will help you reach your goals:

  • Sanitation- This is a continual job when on the road. Are you more concerned about the time it takes, or how easy it should be?
  • Electrical- Will you need extra power to charge accessories and run equipment? Do you need a space heater? The more electrical and electronic equipment you plan to carry, the more important electrical accessories for your RV will be.
  • Maintenance- What items will make quick work of your maintenance tasks and keep your RV in tip-top shape?
  • Kitchen- Think of what accessories for RVs that will make your cooking style easier. Look for space-saving items that you will use regularly.
  • Entertainment- Look for accessories for RVs that you will need to have in order to keep you entertained on rainy days.

Narrowing down your choices by focusing on what you want most out of your RV experiences will ensure you get the accessories for RVs that will work best for you. If you’re still not sure what you need, stop in or contact Edmonton RV Service. We’d love to help!

Posted on by — Leave a comment

What You Need to Know About Camper Repair

Just like any other vehicle, no matter how well you maintain your RV or how much you paid when you bought it, it will need repair at some point. Repairs can be costly, but there are several things you can do to keep your costs down and more importantly, cut down on the time spent out of service. Here are some important things you need to know about camper repair to save time and money.

Develop a Relationship with a Trusted Camper Repair Center

When you develop a relationship with Edmonton RV Service, we not only put our more than 40 years of experience to work to repair your camper as quickly as possible, we get to know your vehicle and how you use it. While this may not seem important, it can save you money and time because we strive to anticipate future repairs and advise you on matters that should be addressed before they become breakdowns or lead to more costly repairs.

Preventative Maintenance is a Budget-Saver

You’ve surely heard the saying, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” When it comes to camper repair, preventative maintenance can mean the difference between enjoying your RV for the duration of your holiday or spending time waiting around a service center due to a breakdown. Before heading out on a journey or at regular mileage intervals, it’s worth having your professionals of Edmonton RV Service perform preventative maintenance. As much as we enjoy your company, you’ll spend less time with us and more time enjoying your camper!

DIY Disasters Cost More in the Long Run

As tempting as it may be to try to save money and perform a repair yourself, it may end up costing you far more to have your camper repaired. As just one example, we had a client who tried to fix a minor plumbing leak by applying a quick-dry putty to a t-line and covering it in silicone. When the leak came back and he brought it in, we had to cut out that whole section and replace it rather than fixing the initial small leak. Unfortunately, the repair cost him a lot more than it would have originally.

At Edmonton RV Service, our licensed technicians will do everything possible to ensure your camper repair is performed professionally and economically. As RVers ourselves, we want you back on the road as soon as possible!

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Upgrade your RV with Edmonton RV’s five Favorite Parts and Accessories

Taking time off to explore the countryside in your RV is one of life’s greatest pleasures. However, having an outdated, inefficient or malfunctioning RV part can put a damper on things. Therefore, it’s important that you be on the lookout for better RV Parts and accessories to add to your RV. With the right Edmonton RV Parts, you will not only avoid inconveniences while on the road but also add comfort and safety to your RV experience. Here are the top five RV parts and accessories in Edmonton.

Roof Sealant

Nature can be unforgiving leading to unpleasant leaks, usually on the roof. As such, it necessary that you have a sealant at hand to deal with any leaks that may arise. Leaks can turn your otherwise good trip into a misery not to mention the sustained damage that can result from such leaks. Having a good roof sealant will offer you some assurance and a peace of mind.

Toilet Chemicals

This is probably a must have for every Edmonton RV owner. RV toilet chemicals are typically deodorizers, cleaners and waste digesters that you should use to maintain your black water tank. However, some are also applicable in the gray water tank.

Strip Lighting

As a true road warrior, you understand the importance of efficient lighting. Talking efficiency, flexible LED strips are typically better than a point light source as they offer longer light dispersion. Placing them under the kitchen cabinets or towards the top of the molding area of the kitchen yields admirable results.

Exterior LED Lights

While on the road, safety can be quite a concern. However, by adding LED under-glow lights and LED grille lights to the exterior of your track, you are able to achieve a sense of security on the road. Additionally, brightening the brake, tail and turn lights offers an additional layer of safety as you travel.

Bluetooth Speakers

Bluetooth speakers are an easy way to connect speakers to your RV particularly if your RV does not have external speakers. You can now listen to your favorite music without losing your mind trying to entangle speaker cables.RVs present a unique chance to experience life in Edmonton in its purity. Having the right RV Parts will guarantee that you get the most out of every minute you are on the road. Come on in to Edmonton RV Service for your new rv parts and accessories.

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Before the Adventure: Understanding the Importance of RV Servicing and Maintenance

An RV is your home, your vacation and your biggest toy all wrapped into one. Protecting this large investment by performing regular RV service and maintenance not only saves you money, but keeps you and your travelers safe when you are on the road. You can accomplish some RV maintenance at your home or on the road, such as checking your tire pressure. Other preventative measures are best completed by a professional. RV Service in Edmonton is an affordable way to extend the life of your vehicle.

RV Servicing Saves You Money

Preventative RV servicing and maintenance involves taking the time and resources to keep your RV running smoothly. For example, checking your tire pressure every 2-3 days during a road trip can save you money. Engineers estimate that for every 1 psi drop of your tire pressure, you lose fuel efficiency by about 0.2%. So, if you are driving from Edmonton to Vancouver and back, under-inflated tires can cost you an extra 100 dollars with just a 5 psi drop in your tire pressure. Additionally, properly inflated tires increase the lifespan of your tires – ensuring potentially thousands of dollars in savings.

Changing your oil every 10 000 kilometers, or roughly once a year, also greatly impacts fuel economy. Using old oil or oil not intended for your engine can cause a reduction in fuel efficacy by 1%. Changing your oil annually can save you hundreds of dollars in a cross country excursion. You can change your oil yourself or have it done by a service professional.

Servicing Your RV Keeps Your Vacation Safe and Hassle Free

Preventative maintenance not only saves your money, but also saves life. In keeping with the tire pressure example – underinflated tires can pose a big safety risk. As a tire loses air pressure, more of the tires surface area comes into contact with the road, thereby increasing friction. Increased friction can lead to tire blowouts. Keeping your tire pressure at the manufacturers recommendation can save money and keep you safe.

A great way to keep your RV secure is to schedule it for professional annual servicing. An annual service will increase safety by replacing worn down brake pads, testing the automotive battery, checking and refilling power steering fluid, transmission fluid and grease and lubricate engine components.

Act now to receive the best RV service in Edmonton – call 780-465-6608 to talk to Edmonton RV service.

Posted on by — Leave a comment

5 Must-Have Motorhome Parts & Accessories

As well-equipped as motorhomes and RVs are, there are always things you wish you had on hand once you’re set up at your camp site. The problem is, with so many incredible choices, how do you know where to begin? This handy list of five must-have motorhome parts and accessories contains items you may not have thought of, but will be really happy you have when you need them.

1. Twist-On Waste Valve

One of the more essential motorhome parts and accessories, the valve on your waste tank is designed so it won’t freeze up in winter, but this makes for a messy endeavour when you’re connecting your hose for emptying. A twist-on waste valve by Valterra makes this task easier and helps prevent leakage when removing the caps.

2. Adjustable Water Regulator

Some parks have intense water pressure and the last thing you want to experience while enjoying your motorhome are hose blowouts or pipe bursts. With an adjustable water pressure regulator, you can protect your RVs internal plumbing and enjoy worry-free water usage.

3. Vent Covers

It’s almost inevitable that if you plan a camping trip, you’ll experience rain. With good roof top vent covers, you can enjoy fresh air in your motorhome without water damage. There’s not much worse when you’re confined indoors than the stale air that builds up quickly if you have to close your vents because of rain.

4. Portable Solar Charging Kit

As far as motorhome parts and accessories go, a portable solar charging kit is essential. With so many devices dependent on battery power, invest in a solar charging kit that you can easily set up and take advantage of the sun’s power. Many kits come equipped with USB inputs that will make your kids very happy!

5. Folding Chairs

While you may not think of chairs when you’re thinking of motorhome parts and accessories, you’ll be glad you did when people stop by to socialize. A few extra good quality folding chairs that take up little space will go a long way to making those campfire congregations more comfortable!

Whether you are a seasoned pro or a beginner RVer, these five must-have motorhome parts and accessories will make your trip easier and let you enjoy your time more. Visit Edmonton RV Service today and let us help you prepare for your best camping trip ever!