Tag: rv tips

Dewinterizing RV Tips to Get Ready for Spring Camping

By: RV Wholesale Superstore
Last Updated: March 1, 2024

It’s hard to say if the inconsistent snow season is behind us. But as we start to get a taste of warmer weather, you’re likely getting the “itch” for an early Spring RV trip! RV season is unpacking its bags and getting ready for the fresh air and warm weather of spring! That means it’s time to dewinterize your RV! Dewinterizing RVs can take some time, but if you follow our guide, you can make sure it’s done right!

If you followed our guide on winterizing your RV or travel trailer, we have a bunch of great tips on getting it ready for the road again!

What Happens When the RV Converter Goes Bad

By: rv_dev
Last Updated: February 12, 2024

Even if you’ve never paid attention to the power converter—the often-unnoticed central nervous system of your RV that’s generally tucked away under a seat or in a cabinet—you’ll want to know what happens when the RV converter goes bad.

Anything that needs electricity in your RV either requires AC or DC power. The RV converter, sometimes called a power converter, transforms the alternating current (AC) power that comes from the electrical hookup to direct current (DC) battery power.

The Importance of a Functioning Converter

Many campsites have electricity available even if they don’t offer water or sewer hookup. If you’re not an off-grid camper or someone who has experience with boondocking, it’s likely you’ve always used the electrical hookup at campsites. You arrive, plug in, and presto, everything works. It’s possible you hadn’t given much thought to the converter and what it does.

That wonderful RV power converter transforming the 120 volts of AC power from the electrical hookup to 12 volts of DC power for battery-functioning appliances means everything that the AC powers like your coffee maker, air conditioner, refrigerator (when not running on propane), and anything else you plug into a wall socket works as well as your lights, roof vent fans, leveling systems, and water pump which are typically part of the DC electricity system in an RV. Every RV is different, so there are other possibilities such as DC power radios or slide-out motors if your RV has slide-outs.

Understanding RV Converters

The RV converter turns the outlet AC power (110 volts) from the campsite hookup into battery DC power (12 volts) to charge your battery and run your DC appliances. It’s designed to seamlessly work in the background so that all electrical components of your RV work. It’s why many people just plug in and go; they don’t give much thought or even know it’s there—until the converter goes bad. However, they typically last a decade or so, possibly longer if you’re mostly a weekend warrior.

While the converter transforms the AC voltage to DC battery voltage, an inverter works in reverse, transforming the 12-volt DC power to 110-volt AC power. An inverter is what allows power from your camper battery to power any AC equipment like when you want to make one more cup of coffee as you tear down and get ready to go.

Signs of a Failing RV Converter

Because it’s important to know what happens when the RV converter goes bad and what to do in that situation, it’s key to be aware of the signs and signals of a converter that’s failing. The top five things to look for are:

Dimming or Flickering Lights: If you notice your RV’s interior lights flickering or dimming, it could be a sign of a failing converter. Because the converter is responsible for converting AC power to DC power, which is used to run your RV’s 12v lights, your batteries may not be charging if the converter is not working properly. Flickering lights may is a signal of a faulty or failing RV converter.

Dead Batteries: The converter is responsible for the proper charging of your batteries when you’re connected to AC electrical hookup. A failing RV converter results in inconsistent power flow to charge your battery which will eventually lead to a dead battery.
Overheating: A converter that is hot to the touch is a sign that your RV converter is failing. Overheating is a signal that the converter is working too hard to keep up with the electrical demands. Permanent damage to your RV converter—as well as other electrical components in your RV—can result from overheating, so address the situation right away.
Strange Noises from the Converter: Failing converters can make a buzzing or humming sound, so listen for any unusual noises coming from your converter. Whether it’s a problem with the fan or other components of your RV converter, don’t ignore odd sounds—investigate.
Electrical System Malfunctions: Other electrical issues can arise from a failing converter. There may be appliances which aren’t working properly, or slide-outs that are giving you issues. The inconsistent power from a failing converter can manifest in an array of electrical system malfunctions and the power flow should be checked.

Causes of RV Converter Failure

There are four main causes of RV converter failure that can be prevented by keeping your RV’s electrical system running smoothly.

Power Surges and Electrical Faults: External electrical issues such as power surges and electrical faults can damage your RV’s converter. You can protect the electrical system in your RV by using a surge protector.

Age and Wear: Time eventually impacts your converter’s performance like any other component in your RV. If your converter is older than 10 years—the average lifespan of an RV converter—consider replacing it before it wears out.
Poor Maintenance: Neglecting your RV’s electrical system can lead to converter issues. Performing regular maintenance on your RV’s converter—including cleaning the fan—can extend the life of your converter. It’s a good idea to check the wiring regularly as well.
Incorrect Installation or Wiring: Having your converter professionally installed ensures that it’s done correctly. An unprofessional or DIY converter installation has a greater likelihood of issues down the road. Saving a little on the costs up front may not be worth the expenses down the road as a result of unprofessional installation.

Nothing lasts forever, but with proper installation and regular maintenance your converter can work well for a long time.

Diagnosing a Bad RV Converter

The first step in diagnosing whether your RV converter is bad is to verify that the RV is connected to a power source and the main power switch is on. If the RV is not connected to a power source, the converter will not work. If the power source is fine, but the converter is still not working, it could be a sign of a bad converter.

Next, inspect the circuit breakers and fuses looking for tripped circuit breakers or blown fuses in the RV’s electrical panel. Reset any tripped breakers and if you find any blown fuses, replace them. Then check to see if the converter is working.

You’ll also want to test the AC outlet voltage with a voltmeter or multimeter at the RV’s AC outlets. It should be around 120 volts. Voltage that is too high or too low can be a sign that your RV converter is bad. If the voltage level is correct, listen for the converter fan; it should run when the converter is working hard.

Observe the condition of the battery, checking to see if the batteries are charging or if they are overcharged. If they are boiling or swollen, they’re overcharged which shortens the life of the battery. The DC voltage output at the battery should be between 13-14 volts when charging.

Internal issues with the converter can cause strange noises coming from the converter. Listen for anything unusual and also check for overheating. Excessive heat can be a sign of malfunction or faulty fan. Just like the fan on your laptop keeps it from overheating, the fan on your converter prevents overheating.

Visually inspect the converter for any signs of physical damage or wear and refer to the RV’s manual for any other specific troubleshooting steps for your converter model. It may require professional evaluation if you cannot determine the issue after all these steps.

Consequences of a Failing Converter

Knowing the impact on RV appliances is an important part of understanding what happens when the RV converter goes bad. Converter issues can cause appliances to work poorly or stop working altogether. Ignoring the problem won’t make it go away. In fact, your RV’s electrical system can incur long-term damage when the RV converter goes bad.

A malfunctioning converter can mean that the battery isn’t being properly charged so items like the propane alarm on your RV may not work if your battery dies.

Replacing or Repairing the RV Converter

Depending on what is wrong with the converter, you may choose to repair. Replacing a fuse is an easy repair. Make sure that you replace a blown fuse with one of the same or lower rating. Never use a fuse with a higher rating than the burned out one to avoid power surges and electrical damage. Having a pack of fuses on hand is an easy and inexpensive way to be prepared in case one blows. Resetting a tripped breaker is also an easy fix. The other replacement fix for a converter is the fan. If it’s faulty, the excess heat will damage your electronics.

Replacing the converter is best done by professionals. It can be a DIY project provided you have a basic understanding of electrical systems and the ability to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.

Safety first means disconnecting any power source and turning off all electrical systems and appliances prior to removing the old converter. Disconnect the power supply from the old converter, remove it, and prepare the new converter for installation by removing protective covers and referring to the manufacturer’s instructions for any other necessary preparation.

Install the new converter and reconnect power supply wires. Double-check that all connections are aligned correctly and secure to avoid short circuits or other electrical issues. Test the new converter by turning on the power supply and checking the voltage output to ensure it matches the manufacturer’s specifications and replace the cover.

Preventative Measures and Maintenance

Take care of your converter to get the longest life possible. Prevent overheating by making sure the converter is in a well-ventilated area away from heat sources. Check the fan regularly and blow out any dust that may collect in the converter with compressed air.

Contact RV Wholesale Superstore

The professionals at RV Wholesale Superstore are ready to help you find the perfect RV for you and your family. Visit us in-person at 5080 W. Alexis Road, in Sylvania, OH or call us at (419) 786-1126

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How to Sell an RV

By: RV Wholesale Superstore
Last Updated: February 12, 2024

It may be time for an upgrade, or time to downsize. Whatever the reason, you’ve decided it’s time to sell your RV. As a private owner, selling your RV is a little like selling a car and a lot like selling a home. There are a few things to keep in mind as you navigate selling your RV to have a successful experience for both you and your buyer.

Preparing the RV for Sale

You may do regular spring cleaning, but cleaning your RV to prepare it for sale is like cleaning for a visit from royalty. You’ll want to thoroughly clean both the interior and exterior, paying special attention to storage areas, the bathroom, kitchen area, even under cushions—especially for dinettes or sofas that convert to sleeping areas.

Another tip on how to sell an RV is to remove any personal items so buyers don’t feel like they’re walking into your space and can envision it as their own. Stage it in an attractive setting and put the welcome mat out. Create an inviting atmosphere with a bouquet of flowers or a strategically placed houseplant (use silk ones in case of allergies) will add a welcome touch to your RV, as will the smell of freshly baked cookies!

Make sure that routine maintenance has been recently performed and any repairs have been addressed. Provide a log of repairs and maintenance if one has been kept. Nothing says well-cared for like a record book, fact-sheet, and owner’s manual handy and ready for buyers to review to help answer any questions they may have.

Determining the Selling Price

While Kelley Blue Book—the go-to for determining your car or truck value—doesn’t value used RVs, J.D. Power has an RV section that lists prices and values.

Determining a baseline price is the first step. The condition of your RV, it’s features and any upgrades you may have added, as well as the age of—and the demand for—your specific RV, will come into play as you set your selling price.

There’s a delicate balance to setting a competitive price: set it too high and it will likely sit as the pool of potential buyers looks elsewhere, set it too low and buyers will either be suspicious or it’ll get snapped up so fast you won’t have time to realize you lost out on a fair return until after it’s gone.

Creating an Effective Advertisement

Attractive ads stand out and the first thing that catches a potential buyer’s eye is a high-quality photo. You don’t need to hire a professional photographer as many of today’s cell phones rival the quality of traditional cameras. You do need to take several pictures from different angles, at different times of day (preferably late afternoon for the best lighting without the harsh midday sun), and don’t forget all the interior features like kitchen, beds, and storage. If you have slide-outs and awnings, take photos with them extended. Anything that’s highlighted in the written description should have an accompanying photo.

While a picture is worth a thousand words, you still need to write a clear and comprehensive description of the RV. Be sure to highlight key features and selling points like a bunkhouse for families or if your RV has solar point it out for those who enjoy dry camping on public land or have a focus on sustainability and eco-friendly power options.

Choosing Where to Advertise

There are various online platforms and marketplaces to advertise your RV. The RV-specific sites can be helpful and help narrow down your audience. You can check for trending makes and models, current prices, and even list your RV on places like RV Trader. It’s a good option if you are looking for serious RVers and not just anyone who may be scouring social media, though if you’re looking to sell locally, selling via Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist are helpful.

Other local ways to advertise include utilizing local newspapers and community spaces. Some local radio stations even have call-in advertising segments for the community. Don’t forget to put a For Sale sign on your RV and park it in a visible location. Let your friends, neighbors, and coworkers know you’re selling your RV. Let the power of personal networks and word-of-mouth advertising work for you.

Handling Inquiries and Showing

You can lose a sale simply by not responding in a reasonable timeframe. If someone has to wait days to hear back, chances are they’ve moved on to another RV. Answering inquiries within 24 hours is a good rule of thumb, but the sooner the better. Confirm that your voicemail box isn’t full so interested parties can leave a message. It’s also a good idea to keep an inquiry log of when inquiries were received and when you responded. If you don’t hear back in a day or two, follow up in case they missed your original response.

When scheduling viewings, meet in a public place and don’t meet alone. If a buyer wants to test drive, go with them, and make sure it’s a serious inquiry and one of the last steps in the buying journey.

Selling an RV to a Dealership

Generally, the biggest difference between selling privately and selling your RV to a dealership is the higher potential for profit in a private sale. While you’ll likely be able to fetch a higher price in a private sale, you also will be putting all the time, effort, and work into the sales process.

For simplicity and convenience, selling to a dealership is the most quick and straightforward procedure. The dealer, who has sales and marketing experience, will quote you a price that still allows them to make a profit when they sell the RV. You will have an instant transaction, avoiding the time and effort of advertising and dealing with private buyers.

Negotiating the Sale

Effectively negotiating the sale price doesn’t have to become haggling. If you are firm on your price, be sure to list that in your ad and confirm that the price isn’t negotiable when you set up a time to show the RV.

Take your time to respond when someone makes an offer. If they make an extreme low-ball offer, say no. If it’s close to your price, work with the buyer. Ask them if they have any other questions; if they’re ready to make a deal. Request a non-refundable down payment to once you’ve agreed on a price.

Managing the Paperwork

If you still owe on your RV and don’t have a clear title, you may need legal assistance. Otherwise, if you own the title outright, have it ready to be able to transfer ownership once payment has been received. You can also use a standard template or write up your own bill of sale. It is advisable, even if selling your RV to a family member or friend, to have a signed and dated bill of sale for your records and a copy for the buyer. Check your state and local regulations for private vehicle sales to be sure you’re complying with all the legal requirements.

Handling Payment and Delivery

Cash and certified checks are safe and secure payment transactions and the most advisable methods of payment to avoid any financial issues. Don’t accept personal checks! Also beware of signs of scammers who may request your bank information for a wire transfer, or claim to be buying for a friend.

Once the payment has been received, you can sign the title over to the new owner and give them a copy of the bill of sale, along with any other documentation, manuals, and records for the RV.

Find the Perfect RV for You – Contact RV Wholesale Superstore

Are you ready to buy your first RV and travel the country? The professionals at RV Wholesale Superstore are ready to help you find the perfect RV for your budget! Visit us in-person at 5080 W. Alexis Road, in Sylvania, OH.