Michael Bracewell The Travel Trailer Guy
Michael Bracewell The Travel Trailer Guy
A few years back I noticed a lot of people asking questions regarding RV's in several social media groups. I would do my best to answer questions to help others by sharing my knowledge but this would take a lot of time responding to others by typing and several questions that people ask are the same ones.
So I decided to start making KZread videos to share with others on how to perform routine maintenance, troubleshoot, make all types of repairs, and to be creative and make modifications and improvements to their RV.
Some of my videos can be long and detailed but I found it best to go into detail (you can skip through videos if you are mechanically inclined) in order for people that aren't that hands on are able to learn and hopefully feel confident after watching my videos will be able to perform work on their RV themselves to save money & avoid having to take their RV to a shop. You may be able to make better repairs than some of the RV technicians at a shop.
Michael Bracewell
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Well done Michael !
I'm afraid to look now Michael! 😆
Lot of ways a man can die out there on the road. Got to make a list and do as much maintenance work as you can
Wouldn't it make sense to bleed the air out before you hook it up and start filling it?
It's really not necessary to bleed these refillable tanks, there made to fill similar to the larger tanks where you just fill them until liquid comes out. Thanks for watching and sharing your question with me and others I appreciate it. www.youtube.com/@thetraveltrailerguy/videos
Good advice. I have the same doors and luckily never had an issue in the last 5 years.
Thank you so much for watching, your compliment, and sharing your experience with the doors. I appreciate you watching.
great video, but there's only one question. Why are you using 6v battery bank instead of 12? I would think it would be easy to throw a breaker on this type.
Thank you for watching and your question Dennis. Having 4 - 6 volt batteries supply more amp hours than 2 - 12 volt batteries so this is why I went this route. I later replaced these 6 volt batteries with 2 lithium Battle Born 12 volt batteries, they may cost more (you can find them on sale around holidays) but will last longer since you can drain them all the way down rather than with the lead acid batteries where you can only drain them down to only 50%; another advantage to Lithium Batteries is they recharge much faster than lead acid batteries and have a much longer life. Here's the video showing me installing the Lithium batteries and what I had to do to accomplish this. kzread.info/dash/bejne/dIytrsGdY5fgqZc.htmlsi=Ykm_wLpyKMXsbpsa
Needs to be butyl tape. But places domt use that shit on these new campers bc they wamt you to have to spend 45k + every few years for a new camper bc it fell apart
So true, thanks for watching and for sharing your recommendation of using Butyl Tape www.youtube.com/@thetraveltrailerguy/videos
Have you thought about adding some white lights for backups lights below the original STT? Probably isn't a wire going back that way but easy enough to add. I put some "rock lights" under the frame behind each stabilizer and ran a wire to the j-box on the tongue connected to the reverse circuit. Makes backing in at night so much easier!
I've thought about it and feel its a good idea, I might do it someday and do a video. In 8 years of camping with a travel trailer and camping every couple weeks & taking yearly long 2 month and 3 month trips cross country I really haven't had the need since I haven't had to travel or park in the dark. But I just may do it anyway just for fun. Thanks again for watching, commenting and sharing information with me.
Sorry I forgot to ask where are there any fuses that I could check??
I'm not sure where your fuses are all located on you trailer, manufactures put them in all kinds of different locations but one place to look where most fuses are located is in your power panel located inside the trailer
I have a Cedar Creek 33IK 5th wheel Silverback if that all matters. We got back from vacation and the jacks on the front won't go down. NONE of them will move. We mashed all the buttons in the order on the door, I pulled up on you tube and guessing. But nothing worked. Now there is a clicking too! Our 5th wheel is still connected to our truck. What do we do?
If you are having a clicking sound something may be wrong with your motor what ever drives the jacks up and down. Check out this video it may be helpful in trouble shooting the problem to see if the problem is electrical or mechanical - kzread.info/dash/bejne/e5d-zbZwZsi1qtI.htmlsi=B0uPk_ylbHfm92CG&t=163
I think this a great idea. I am new to the maintenance and sealing my roof. Since the Eternabond is so hard to get up, how would you take it up if you need to replace something on your rood? Thank you
Thank you for watching and your question. The best way to replace a skylight, fan, etc if needed is to just cut around what ever you are wanting to remove with a utility knife being careful not to cut into the roof material if you can but if you do its not a big deal. After you do this you can remove the tape above where the screws are and then gently pry off what you are removing with a putty knife. Install the new item on the roof but first apply butyl tape along the bottom of the item you are reinstalling just below the screw holes. Screw the item down and then you have two choices. 1) install Dicor self leveling sealant over the screws and along the edge and allow the Dicor to fully dry for 30 days then apply the tape over the item screws and then over the tape not removed (It will stick really good to the existing tape, just make sure you clean the area really well. 2) or you can install the item as I mentioned above and don't install the Dicor and just put tape over the item screws and over the tape that was not removed. NOTE: if you try and remove the tape from roof material with a scraper, chemicals, or heat and the roof material was not put down at the factory very good you take the chance or the roofing material being damaged. So I find it best to leave the tape and apply over it, the company says it bonds to itself well and I also know this because I have done it and it stays put. Here is a couple videos where I installed a few items on a PVC roof and did not use Dicor or any other sealant other than tape. I hope this information helps you. MAXXFAN DELUXE Installation From Start to Finish - kzread.info/dash/bejne/pqaWtbN8ldDccdY.htmlsi=25O9G4VZGHxX4ONl Replacing our Inefficient Bathroom Fan with a Fan-Tastic Roof Vent -kzread.info/dash/bejne/f62gk8aveK6dn84.htmlsi=s8B-j-nDjdvhi4c4 Replacing a RV Roof Vent & Installing a Roof Vent Cover DIY - kzread.info/dash/bejne/hJahssd7YZzFctY.htmlsi=1WTisrzx8fhzecbv Michael Bracewell "The Travel Trailer Guy" is a Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying Amazon purchases by you using the Amazon links below at no additional cost to you. Thank you All-Purpose RV Butyl Tape - amzn.to/3SNISiV EternaBond 3" White - amzn.to/46aAkFW Rubber Roller - amzn.to/3rMYvXJ Roller used in video - Spline Roller - amzn.to/3tkBlrU 9-in-1 Wire Stripper Tool - amzn.to/3MHtnFA (Not Used in Video But Mentioned) Dicor Epdm Self-Leveling Lap Sealant - amzn.to/46akwDk MAXXAIR FANMATE 00-955001 Fan/Vent Cover with EZ Clip Hardware, Constant Airflow, Super Tough, White - amzn.to/3PydRgC www.youtube.com/@thetraveltrailerguy/videos
Well done Michael. I won't be doing this upgrade, putting anything on my rear hitch makes me nervous, even though its rated for 300 lbs.
Thank you, I'm really happy how this turned out and that this improvement will help keep us and others safer on the road. I think even if I was not hauling bikes I would have done this project so we would be more visible. Thanks again for watching and commenting. I appreciate it
Nice job Michael. I really think having the extra lights help out a lot.
Thank you James and I thank you for showing me how to do it, I like that we are more visible on the road.
😀👍 Cool Michael!
Thank you Michael, did you happen to notice who the people where in the video that got rear ended? Tony & Peggy
Was wanting to do this also. Looking forward to the bike rack installation, as want to do that. Thanks for your info!
Until then here are links to the products I used and mentioned in the video including the bike rack, cover, and bike bar. Michael Bracewell "The Travel Trailer Guy" is an Amazon Associate. I earn a small commission from qualifying Amazon purchases by you using the Amazon links below at no additional cost to you. Thank you! 12V LED Trailer Light Bar (2 Pack) - amzn.to/3zMtk7E Other Trailer Tail Lights to Choose From - amzn.to/4cN7Feo Solder Seal Heat Shrink Butt Connectors - amzn.to/3Ycf4PF Mini Heat Gun - amzn.to/3W5LQzu Fast Heating Heavy Duty Hot Air Gun Kit - amzn.to/3Lvjh9I Lexel 5 oz - amzn.to/3ScWOSH Lexel 10.5 oz - amzn.to/3LzMrVg Swagman E-SPEC RV & eBike Approved Hitch Mount Bike Rack - amzn.to/3Wth98O Swagman Ramp & Bridge - amzn.to/4d9HsX7 Swagman DELUXE BAR ADAPTER - amzn.to/46clXT6 Heavy Duty Outdoor Storage Waterproof Bike Cover - amzn.to/3ShTVQv
Thank you for such a great video!
Thank you James and thanks for watching :) www.youtube.com/@thetraveltrailerguy/videos
Great modification, definitely more is better.😁
Thank you Carol we are really happy with how it turned out. And it is "More Better"
Thank you!! Very informative video and we will definitely get extra fuses now!😂
Thanks so much for watching and taking the time to comment Mark. Extra fuses are inexpensive insurance :) - www.youtube.com/@thetraveltrailerguy/videos
🎉
Thanks, I hope you have been doing well
Nothing wrong with adding a little extra protection on the road. Good work.
That's for sure :) Thanks so much for watching and taking the time to comment. I appreciate it - www.youtube.com/@thetraveltrailerguy/videos
Why not put the valve where the city line and pump come together??
Your right I could have done it that way, either way would work. Thanks for mentioning this and watching. www.youtube.com/@thetraveltrailerguy/videos
Hi Michael, good to meet you last week. Thanks for stopping by at our campsite. Also thanks for your video card. Your videos on changing trim and cleaning the fan grill were very timely for me and I appreciate that you get to the point quickly. - John Wilson, with Laura and two dogs.
It was nice meeting you both last week and the doggies too. I'm happy the videos were helpful, feel free to ask me questions if you need any help. - www.youtube.com/@thetraveltrailerguy/videos
Thanks Micheal this was super helpful!
You're very welcome, thank yo so much for watching and your comment :) www.youtube.com/@thetraveltrailerguy/videos
thank you for being so thorough with this project and showing the real minutiae on how it needs to be done properly especially for people like me. one question do i need to wait the full 30 days to apply the eterna or can it be done after 2 weeks of caulking (diacor)
You're welcome, this was one of my longest videos because I wanted to make sure I covered the whole process. You will be happy you did this project :) Here's the Dicor drying information I found on their website. Dicor drying times vary depending on the product and weather conditions: Lap sealant In 50-70° F weather, Dicor lap sealant skins over in about five minutes, becomes waterproof in about four hours, cures 80% in 48 hours, and cures 100% in 30 days. Self-leveling ultra sealant In 50-70° F weather, Dicor self-leveling ultra sealant skins over in about 30 minutes, becomes tack free in less than an hour, dries in about two hours, and cures 100% in several days.
@@thetraveltrailerguy seems to be a consensus that it dries in 30 days so i will wait. thank you.
Same exact problem with my boat trailer. I hit a curb. Straight edge showed a gap about the same as yours. A new axle corrected the problem. I swapped tire locations left to right and overinflated the worn tire by 5 psi to hopefully wear the center a little more than the edge and get some more miles out of it. Thanks for the video.
That's to bad, you need to watch for potholes also as they can cause damage. I was on the free way with our used 2020 trailer we just bought late last year and were on the interstate I-10 and you would not believe how many pot holes I hit that could not be avoided. we have the same Dexter axles on it. Anyway I'm in the process of replacing two axles. The spindles were both bent on the passenger side :( I hope to put out a video on the replacement in the near future. Thanks for commenting and sharing your information with me and others.
@thetraveltrailerguy Yeah. It was difficult to tell my spindle was bent. I used a good straight edge from a reference point to the disc brake rotor on both sides. I could definitely measure a difference in length but not that much. I was 80% sure it was bent. The new axle was definitely needed. The straight edge across both tires is the best way to tell I'd you.have an issue. Good luck.
You do know that you can use an Allen wrench and remove those fan blades, don't you? You use a 3/32 Allen wrench and it fits right into the metal hub that protrudes down the center of the fanblades. You'll see a little hole on the side of the metalthat protrudes down. Put the Allen wrench in the hole and turn it for the fanblades to be able to be pulled down. Then you can take them into the kitchen sink and clean them so much easier than spraying stuff into the air that falls back into your face while you try to wipe it with the paper towel.
Thank you so much for watching and the information you shared here with others. I appreciate it. www.youtube.com/@thetraveltrailerguy/videos
Many thanks for the video!
You're very welcome. Thanks for watching and the feedback. www.youtube.com/@thetraveltrailerguy/videos
@@thetraveltrailerguy Thanks for the gentle suggestion! I subscribed.
Can I see how you did the back edge of the camper?
Sure Joe, thanks for watching and your question. Here's my video on the installation - kzread.info/dash/bejne/rIms0LNvc5SonLw.htmlsi=3Sn-RxZVQ8kO3LL3 www.youtube.com/@thetraveltrailerguy/videos
How has it held up over the years? 😊
Thanks for watching and your question. It has held up great and still looks like the day we installed it. Here's 2 year review video I made on how its holding up - kzread.info/dash/bejne/pWuhzNd8l6_Am6g.htmlsi=4NRQcxMnBZsOjMzL www.youtube.com/@thetraveltrailerguy/videos
Absolutely the best video I've seen showing how to best apply Eternabond, thank you!!! My only question is I always thought you couldn't combine different sealant products with one another. Dicor with Eternabond or vice versa. Did you verify with Eternabond that it was perfectly OK to use Eternabond directly over old Dicor? You are a consumate professional Sir!
Thank you so much for watching, comment, and compliment Stephen. Eterna Bond tape will stick to Dicor as long as it is cleaned very well along with the roof area where it is applied. If you apply any Dicor prior to installing the tape make sure you allow the Dicor to fully cure for a minimum of 30 days. Eterna Bond will not stick to Silicone so if you have it then remove it and clean the area very well prior to installing the tape. Make sure you roll the tape like I did in the video to make sure you get a good bond. Michael Bracewell "The Travel Trailer Guy" is a Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying Amazon purchases by you using the Amazon links below at no additional cost to you. Thank you 2" X 50' Eterna Bond Tape (white) - amzn.to/30FBABE 2" X 50' Eterna Bond Tape (black) - amzn.to/3g7F47I 4" X 50' Eterna Bond Tape (white) - amzn.to/3LeG4V7 4" x25' Eterna Bond Tape (white) - amzn.to/3IILZ2V 6" x10' Eterna Bond Tape (white) amzn.to/3DPQsBc 4" X 50' Eterna Bond Tape (black)- amzn.to/3ALBfi7 3" X 24" Eterna Bond Tape (Small Repairs) - amzn.to/3LNshWx Rubber Roller - amzn.to/3rMYvXJ Roller used in video - Spline Roller (Screen) - amzn.to/3tkBlrU Roller a viewer recommended - Seam Roller, Brass Press Wheel - amzn.to/3KjQZhs Dicor Self Leveling Sealant (Roof) - amzn.to/2PUIFfs Dicor Non-Sag Roof Lap Sealant (Sides, do not use on top of roof) - amzn.to/3CxSGoV Mineral Spirits - amzn.to/3NnuGrK Acetone - amzn.to/3wotLl7 Denatured Alcohol - amzn.to/3JA1ED4 EternaBond EternaClean Spray Cleaner 14 oz Can EB-ECSPC | Prepares Surfaces for Sealant Application by Releasing Contaminants Like Oxidation, Grime, Oil and Grease, Tree sap and More - amzn.to/3vmGWyy EternaBond EternaPrime Adhesive and Surface Conditioner Spray - 14 oz Can EB-EPSPC | Aids in Adhesion When Surfaces are Very Dirty or Dusty - for MicroSealant and Other Self Adhesive Seaming Tape - amzn.to/3cElEG7
Thank you for making a video with such detail just what i wanted to know.
Thank you so much for watching and taking the time to comment Bob. www.youtube.com/@thetraveltrailerguy/videos
After install rub marine grease on the complete underside of the seal. This is the only lube that will make the seal last longer
www.thelubricantstore.com/rubber-seal-compatibility-chart
I wanted to hear how quiet/loud the fan was but he talked the whole time
LOL Dave sorry about that. Play the video here so you can hear the fan sound at the level 2 speed out of 3 speeds (At level 3 it is much louder). Thanks for watching and your feedback - kzread.info/dash/bejne/f62gk8aveK6dn84.htmlsi=WZeBYLzyW8iA2SoU&t=957
Holding up great. Do the solar panels snap into the brackets? Very smart set-up
Thanks for watching again Mark. I wish I did have solar panels that were easy to remove if I need to, just in case a panel fails (but I don't think that will happen). They are bolted in place
You did a fantastic job on that roof. Im in the process of doing mine now and learned a few tricks. After taping with the Eternabond I will use a product call Tropi-cool to coat the TPO in between the tape. Would go over everything but from what I've been reading the coating will not adhere to the tape.
Thank you for watching and taking the time to comment and share what you are doing. You're going to be really happy you taped the roof like so many others have done. I've also heard that Tropi-Cool will not stick to the tape so your plan should work. www.youtube.com/@thetraveltrailerguy/videos
Do you think there is a location where you can drill and tap for grease fittings?
My fuses were fine. Next step was to try to reset the slide out controller. It was not easily accessible on my Jayco class C. I fix the problem by disconnecting the negative lead to the house battery and reattaching. that reset the controller and slide out worked. Just turning off circuit breaker to house did not deenergize the controller.
Thanks for watching and taking the time to share your solution to the problem you were having with your slide Greg. Many others will read what you wrote searching through these comments and what you shared may be helpful to them. Thanks so much. www.youtube.com/@thetraveltrailerguy/videos
Thank you! I have this fan in my kitchen and a bathroom. I couldn't get past those latches. So... my fans are very dirty. The one in the kitchen is making a light scratching sound, but it doesn't seem like the fan is dragging. Any idea what that may be. Sadly, I'm hoping it's just the dust. Any ideas? Thanks in advance.
Sorry I didn't get back to you earlier than this Diane. I'm happy this video was helpful to you, a lot of people including me a while back didn't know how to remove the screen. That's why I made the video. What I would do is clean everything really well and then move the fan by hand to see if the sound goes away, which it should. Good luck and I hope you reply back on how it goes. www.youtube.com/@thetraveltrailerguy/videos
Very helpful, you confirmed my theory.
Thank you for watching and taking the time to comment. 2 Pcs RV City Water Inlet with Check Valve - amzn.to/43ZhVLi www.youtube.com/@thetraveltrailerguy/videos
Thanks Michael! :)
You're welcome buddy, I made this video awhile back and shared it with others again just in case they haven't seen it. I hope to make some more videos soon since its been awhile and I needed a break. I've been very busy doing so many other things as well
Thank you! Mine just quit for some reason and it was that fuse! I never thought to check it.
That's great news, I'm happy the video was helpful for you. Thanks for the feedback. www.youtube.com/@thetraveltrailerguy/videos
I really liked your video. I knew how to replace the faucet but mine has no access. Did yours have an access panel. I wanted to see how you cut out the wood to access the faucet. I am going to cut the wood out and make a access panel I believe. Impossible to get to, from the sink side without taking the sink out.
Hello Karen. I forgot to show how I gained access to the faucet I installed in this video :( Fortunately I had cabinet door I was able to open to get the the area under the sink area to get to the faucet plumbing. A lot of people aren't as lucky as I was to do so. I'm not sure what year, make, and model trailer you have? Can you share it with me? Maybe this will help me figure this problem out with you. A link to the trailer you have would be helpful if you can reply with it. Here's a video where I installed a faucet in a friends 2021 Rockwood Mini Lite 2104S that may be helpful for you: kzread.info/dash/bejne/k3p4u9CpkcWch7A.htmlsi=lGniR9MHthyfA7uE Here's a link to all my videos: www.youtube.com/@thetraveltrailerguy/videos
Thank you sir!
Your very welcome Steve. Thanks for watching and commenting. www.youtube.com/@thetraveltrailerguy/videos
Great info, it helps a lot, my window is in order now, I'll subscribe to your channel & thanks for a very informative video
Thank you Brian, I'm happy this video is helpful for you. Thank you for subscribing. www.youtube.com/@thetraveltrailerguy/videos
Michael, once again you saved the day! Our 2022 R-POD 193 faucet neck literally blew out of the fixture yesterday. The bushing cracked that seals it and it sent a fountain of water straight out of the base! I looked up how to upgrade faucets and your video came up. Worked like a charm. The shark bites came in clutch. They even had a nice cutting tool for the pex pipe at Lowe’s. My wife loves her new faucet. Thanks as always you’ve been a life saver. Appreciate you!
And I appreciate you Rodger, you made my day again
Your presentation was very clear and concise. The best RV roof maintenance techniques I have ever seen. Patients and taking your time. Has given me the confidence to complete a lasting professional job. Looks fantastic! Have watched it several times.
Thank you so much Michael, I sure appreciate you watching and your feedback. This is one of the best improvements I have done to the trailer, no more leak worries. www.youtube.com/@thetraveltrailerguy/videos
Thank you so much!
You're welcome and thanks for watching. www.youtube.com/@thetraveltrailerguy/videos
Thanks for linking what color you used, we are planning on putting extra shelves in those same cabinets on our Lance!
Your welcome and thanks for watching and commenting :) www.youtube.com/@thetraveltrailerguy/videos
Great video! So helpful and detailed. I’m thinking about applying Henry’s Tropicool over the roof, after applying Eternabond. Is that something you’d ever consider doing or have hesitation with that for any reason? Just looking for opinions.
Thank you so much. For the roof you see in the video, its been taken care of and it still looks great so I have not thought of doing this. You know I'm not sure, you might want to contact Henry's to ask them if you can apply it over Henry's. I'm thinking you can but I'm not sure. Here's what others have wrote about it that may help you: www.rvforum.net/threads/best-roof-coating-applied-over-eternabond-rsw-6-50-roofseal-sealant-tape.142759/ www.irv2.com/forums/f44/henry-tropicool-over-eternabond-529268.html Video - kzread.info/dash/bejne/f5OGvLahobKrgMY.htmlsi=zmuGPoGk2OR9ZHc- henry.com/roof-restoration-systems/tropi-cool-application www.youtube.com/@thetraveltrailerguy/videos
Thanks
You're welcome and thanks for watching and commenting, I'm happy you liked it and is helpful for you. www.youtube.com/@thetraveltrailerguy/videos