RV Q&A by Mark Polk~ May /June 2008

*NOTE: At Mark's discretion, material might be edited to suit a wide audience. Due to the large volume of material and correspondence we receive, individual replies might not be possible, nor can we acknowledge receipt of submitted material. Selected questions will be answered in future issues of our RV Education 101 newsletter and on our site. Thank-you for your understanding.

Q. Hi, There seems to be water dripping under my trailer. I have opened all the panels and can't find water anywhere. It drips in the low corner and upon examination under the trailer the insulation is wet. The leak seems to be between the toilet and the water heater. Can't find a way to get under it without ripping the plastic off and pulling the insulation out, which I really don't want to do? It is a 1993 wilderness. I would appreciate any information. thank you

Mark Says: 90% of the time when there is a water leak it is at a fitting or connection, unless the water lines froze and burst because the unit wasn't properly winterized. Most manufacturers leave access panels inside the RV, close to where fittings and connections are made so these areas can be serviced.

Put some water in the fresh water tank and turn the water pump on to pressurize the system. Remove any access panels and look at all of the connections around the toilet, shower, and water heater, or anything else close to these for signs of a leak. Another way to check for leaks is when the system is pressurized and the water pump shuts off it should stay off until you open a water faucet. If the pump comes on, even for short periods after the system was pressurized there is a good chance there is a leak somewhere.

Q. Good day, We just purchased a new travel trailer. What is your opinion/suggestion on two awning questions please.
1) should I buy and use de-flappers
2) should I buy and use tie-out straps and stakes

It is a 19' travel trailer with a 12' awning.

Mark Says: I have used both products you mentioned and have been pleased with them, but the important thing, in my opinion, is to never leave the awning out when you are not physically in the immediate area to keep an eye on it, even with awning tie downs. I am attaching a complimentary copy of my e-book on awnings that should answer all of your questions pertaining to RV awnings.

Q. I was researching RV information and came across your site. Please advise what book would be helpful to us. We have had a pop-up for the past 8 years and just recently upgraded to a 30' travel trailer. We are concerned about the toilet -- we have never had holding tanks -- I have heard night mare stories of the black water tank getting clogged. We have put the chemical that is recommended -- however if you look into the toilet -- it looks like the paper is not going into the tank -- and we have bought the bio degradable tp that was recommended.

Please advise which book would be the most helpful to someone who has just moved up to travel trailer.

Mark Says: Waste management procedures for your new travel trailer are not very difficult. The secret is to always have plenty of water in the holding tank and to thoroughly flush the tank when you empty it. Go to this article that I wrote from our RV University site that might be helpful. If you would like more information I think my book "The RV Book" or our Travel Trailer DVD would be helpful too.

Copyright 2008 by Mark J. Polk owner of RV Education 101

RV Expert Mark Polk, seen on TV, is the producer & host of America's most highly regarded series of DVD's, videos, books, and e-books. http://www.rveducation101.com/