It is not a common subject of conversation over the campfire to discuss how to hook up your sewage line or how to empty your black tank. Indeed, it's a dirty job, but someone needs to do it. Indeed, changing RV sewer pipe fittings is one of the worst parts of RVing. Whatever sewage hose fittings you choose, top-of-the-line or average, may not seem like much, but it might cost you a lot of money in the long run. Which sewer hose should I buy? If my sewer hose were to burst, what would happen? We'll answer these questions and more about emptying your tank and the best RV sewage hose connections to make the process more manageable. What Are RV sewer pipe fittings? Fittings for RV sewage pipes are made to securely join two pipe sections, preventing sewage or water from escaping. They come in many shapes, sizes, and materials to serve several functions. The most common materials are plastic and metal, favored for more durable applications. There is a wide range of RV sewer pipe fittings Slip joint fittings For RV sewage pipe connections, slip joint fittings are the most common. They quickly set up and properly sealed the joint between the two pipe sections. To unite two pipes of the same size, they are commonly made of plastic. Push-fit fittings Push-fit fittings are frequent in recreational vehicle plumbing systems. They make the process of connecting two sections of pipe quick and easy. Unlike sliding joint fittings, you can use push-fit fittings with many pipe sizes. Compression fittings Compression fittings are usual in RV waste piping systems. They are robust and long-lasting and provide a tight seal between the two pipes. To unite two pipes of the same size, they are commonly metal. Flexible fittings You can join two sections of pipe quickly and simply using flexible fittings. They may join pipes of varying sizes and are of flexible rubber. They are ideal for attaching pipes in tight spaces because they allow for some motion between the two components. Threaded fittings If you want to link two pieces of metal pipe, you should use threaded fittings. They are available in various sizes and materials to meet multiple requirements. They offer a secure and reliable connection between the two sections of pipe. Installation manual for RV sewage pipe fittings Prepare the pipe Before installing the fittings, you must adequately prepare the pipe must. That is part of ensuring the pipe is clean and free of gunk. The pipe must also be the correct size for the fitting being used. Dry fit the fitting Once you have prepared the pipe, you can dry-fit the fitting. That requires attaching the fitting to the pipe without the use of any kind of sealant or glue. The user may then check that the connection is tight and the fitting is the right size. Apply the sealant You should apply the sealant after the fitting has been dry-fitted. That is required to ensure that the connection is watertight. Several types of sealant may require different application techniques, so it's essential to read and heed the manufacturer's instructions. Tighten the fitting When the sealant has dried, you can secure the fitting. You must tighten the nuts on the fitting using a wrench. You can achieve a secure and leak-free connection by properly tightening the fitting. Put the connection to the test When you install the fitting, you must check the connection. Filling the pipe with water and checking for leaks are required. The fitting should be tightened, or reapply the sealant if you find any leaks. RV waste pipe fittings maintenance advice Check the fittings regularly It is essential to conduct routine inspections of the fittings to look for any symptoms of damage or wear that needs fixing. If you use the RV frequently, you should do this more regularly than once a year. If you observe any damage or wear on the fixture, you should replace it as soon as possible. Ensure that the fittings stay clean Just like your RV exterior needs cleaning, so do the fittings. You only need a gentle cloth to wipe away any dirt or dust to accomplish this. In addition, it is vital to check the fittings for any signs of corrosion that could weaken the connection. Use the appropriate fitting When replacing a fitting, using the one most suited for the task is essential. That entails selecting the appropriate dimensions and components for the task at hand. Employing the incorrect fitting could result in leaks or other issues. What should you do if your sewer fitting breaks? If your sewage hose leaks while camping, you may use garden lime or Clorox to kill the bacteria. Please let the office know what happened. They should know what to do because you're not the first to spill something. Offer to pay a professional for any cleaning services you require. For the safety of any pets, children, or other people who could come into contact with the damaged area, kindly do not leave without clearing up the mess. Conclusion When it comes to plumbing, RV sewer pipe fittings are essential to the efficient removal of wastewater from the vehicle. These fittings provide a tight and watertight seal between two separate pipe lengths to prevent any leaks. Because these concepts have many different permutations, it is essential to have a solid understanding of the many kinds of fittings, their purposes, and how to install them correctly. With the help of this detailed guide, you will understand the many types of RV sewage pipe fittings, how to install them correctly, and what steps you should take to ensure that they remain in good working order. Author Bio: Jake Rogers is a passionate RV blogger who has been working for City Movers for two years. With a wealth of knowledge and experience, Jake loves helping RVers enjoy their journeys to the fullest.

If you enjoy the RV life but believe that your current RV is no longer up to the task, it's natural to wonder whether you should purchase a new one or repair it. Making such a choice is difficult. On the one hand, you have a vehicle that can function adequately with a bit of work, but if it's old, it's only a matter of time before it breaks down again. Your old RV may have sentimental value as well. However, if you purchase a new RV, you may have a vehicle that you will not have to worry about for years to come. For this reason, we will talk about renovating an old RV vs. buying a new one and things to consider. You Need To Consider The Price Difference When buying a new RV, one of the most important factors is the price. Most people have a limited amount of money, which restricts how much they can spend, what parts they can buy, and what type of RV they can buy. As a result, most people prefer to buy used RVs or parts. There is one significant difference when it comes to the cost of renovating an old RV vs. buying a new one. If you repair your old RV with new parts, you increase its resale value. On the other hand, if you buy a new RV, its value will plummet as soon as you start using it. This is especially true if you purchase a brand-new RV. If you don't like to feel like you're losing money while exploring the world with your RV, you should consider fixing up your old vehicle. However, if you look hard enough, you may be able to find a newer RV that is still affordable. This is an excellent option if you believe that your renovations may cost you more than purchasing a new one. Consider the Warranty One of the most valuable things you can get out of a new RV is a warranty. While we all love to work on our RV-s from time to time, we can do everything ourselves. If you opt to purchase a new vehicle, the warranty will allow you to relax, knowing that whatever happens, you will have something to fall back on. In most cases, the manufacturer's guarantee will cover the RV for a couple of years. You can also purchase an extended warranty to cover any faults that develop after the original warranty expires when you buy new. You need to keep in mind that if you buy a used RV, which is, as we've mentioned earlier, a lot cheaper, you won't get a warranty. Some bigger dealerships may offer old RVs with a brief 30-60 day guarantee, but most of the time, you're on your own. If you buy a secondhand RV and anything fails soon after, you may need to replace a few things. That is why it's always a good idea to brush up on your repair skills. If you know your way around an RV, you may not even need a warranty. In that case, you should make sure to improve the storage situation in your RV. You will need to add some more space to have all the necessary tools to do the job if you run into unforeseen troubles. Manufacturer Assistance If you are thinking about renovating, you need to think about how hard it will be to get your hands on the parts you need. Parts for older, secondhand RVs might be more difficult to come by in certain circumstances. Over the years, there have been many RV manufacturers, and some may not exist anymore. This may make repairing problems very tough if you have a very old model. If you're thinking about buying a used RV, be sure it's from a reputable brand that's here to stay. If you are purchasing a used RV and are unaware of where the RV comes from, you may also inquire about the prior owner's experience with the manufacturer. This might get you essential information about how easily you might be able to seek help from them in the future. Ownership Duration The amount of time you plan to keep the RV is something else that should be considered when deciding between purchasing a new RV and renovating an older model. If you intend to keep the RV for an extended time, you should probably buy a brand-new one. This is because you should not be concerned about the RV's value declining if you are planning to purchase it to use it for an extended period. On the other hand, if you find that you get bored easily with the same RV setup, renovating might be a better choice for you. In the long run, doing so will save you money on depreciation, and if you ever choose to sell, you will be able to do so for a higher price. Renovating An Old RV Vs. Buying A New One - Conclusion The main thing that you need to consider is your personal preference. There are people out there who want to make a home out of their RV. For them, an RV is more than just a vehicle, and the value is something intangible. On the other hand, other people find that comfort is the only important factor. These people won't care if they drive a secondhand, new, or renovated RV. For them, everything goes, as long as it's comfortable. Hopefully, you will find this article on renovating an old RV vs. buying a new one useful. Author Bio: Since the company's inception, Peter Jacobs has worked for Orange Mover as a content writer. Because he enjoys being outside so much, he tries to put as much time as possible in his RV. When he's not writing about moving, his favorite thing to do is write about traveling and finding new places.

It is essential to keep and carry a complete set of basic and RV specific tools when you travel. Every RV, travel trailer, fifth wheel, and camper should have a decent tool set for quick (hopefully) repair on the go. Make sure that it’s comprehensive enough to get most jobs done, but not so all-inclusive as to be unwieldy and add unnecessary weight to your rig. Don’t get caught on the side of the road- wishing you had the one tool you can’t find! Basic Tools It should have a good assortment of the following items. Feel free to add to it as needed. Bungee cords Duct tape Electrical pliers Electrical tape Hammer Hatchet Flashlight Level Multi-tool Pliers Portable tool box or caddy for quick repairs Professional grade tool box for storage Screwdriver (multi-headed with Phillips, flat and torx bits) Socket set Utility knife Vise grips WD 40 Work gloves Wrench set Zip ties Either keep an assortment of the most frequently-used tools in a small, portable tool box, caddy, or even in a utility drawer in the RV’s kitchen. This keeps them handy for day to day uses. Related Read: 8 Handy RV Gadgets you can’t Live Without RV Specific Tools There are several less common tools that are extremely helpful to keep in your motorhome. These are partly determined by what types of repairs you’re capable of—or comfortable with—making. The following are used routinely: Battery terminal post cleaner Digital voltmeter Fix a Flat Fuse kit Hydraulic jack Lug wrench Portable air compressor (if your rig isn’t already equipped with one) Roadside emergency kit RV tire repair kit Tire gauge (for truck and RV tires) Related Read: RV Tires: Selection, Care, Troubleshooting and Use Additional RV specific tools would include those used for plumbing and more elaborate electrical work. Feel free to add them as needed or when you’re ready to try your hand at these repairs; there are some great how-to videos on YouTube. Spare Parts The spare parts you choose to carry with you depends on several things. First, what replacements do you find yourself making frequently (or which ones have you ascertained are common for your make and year of RV)? Second, which ones are difficult to find or typically must be ordered? Third, are they on sale (we usually buy extras when the price is discounted)? Fuses Generator air filter Generator fuel filter Generator oil filter Lightbulbs Water pump These are just a few of the parts we regularly keep on hand. Of course, as I mentioned, your list may vary. Three Storage Ideas Aside from a few of the more commonly-used items, you should store the rest in a heavy-duty tool chest in a cargo area. Here are some of the most popular ways to organize and store your tools: Build or Install an Exterior Storage Platform – Use the space on the back of the motorhome, near where a bike rack might be mounted and above your tow bar. Choose a manufactured tool box that easily fits in the allotted area and make sure to securely bolt it to the platform before traveling. Install a Tool Box in Your Basement Storage - With a bit of measuring and a few bolts, you can convert one section of your underneath cargo area into a slide-out tool chest. Utilize Your Tow Vehicle - We pull a 24-foot cargo trailer, which afford plenty of space for an extensive tool collection. If, however, you tow a car or pickup truck, you can still fill some of the unused space with your RV tools and spare parts. You can easily install one of the many types of truck tool boxes in the bed or organize the space in your car’s trunk. Carefully measure the dimensions of the area you intend to mount it before investing in a tool chest. Make sure to get a heavy-duty one with multiple drawers to better organize and securely contain your tools while driving. Verify that it locks so the drawers don’t open during transit. Then properly mount it before traveling. In Conclusion It’s a good idea to keep a thorough tool set conveniently placed to be accessible but not in the way. I am a firm believer in the policy that it’s better to have something and not need it than to need it and not have it, and this is especially true of tools. Happy travels!