Planning and maintenance are sure ways to prevent potential problems from cropping up during your travels. For some RV owners, the arrival of fall signals that their camping season is winding down. For those who follow the sun, it could mean that the fun is just getting started. In either case — whether you’ll be putting the RV in storage soon or hitting the road — it’s a good time to give your home on wheels a thorough inspection. This edition of Tech Talk contains tips for what to look for during a check and ideas regarding repairs, projects, and products. Read on also for a brief look at two brand-new RVs for 2025.

Cheers to ongoing adventures!

The FMCA Team

By Steve Froese, F276276

I often refer to the importance of good habits and regular RV maintenance in my articles. Let’s take a closer look at what that means for owners of motorhomes and towable RVs in terms of pretrip and annual maintenance requirements.

James from The Fit RV has developed a method for resolving leaks that can occur when PEX and vinyl tubing water lines are mated in RV manufacturing. As James notes, vinyl tubing is commonly used in RVs because it can handle tighter bends than PEX, and vinyl tubing works better in instances where plumbing must move, such as in a pull-out exterior sink. It’s also often used where the water pump connects to the plumbing. A leak can result because fittings intended for PEX are connected to the vinyl tubing as well. Check out James’ nifty solution for this incompatibility here.

Don't forget to hit the great outdoors with an FMCA membership, now available for $60 for the first year and $50 thereafter! Click here to learn more.

A discussion of new products on the market to enhance your RV lifestyle.

Enhanced weather protection; improved security; more user friendly. These are among the attributes of the second generation of the Power Watchdog smart RV surge protectors from Hughes Autoformers.

The lockable, illuminated clamshell connection bay makes it easier to hook up in the dark and renders it tamper resistant. The device now has built-in Wi-Fi to complement its Bluetooth technology, allowing RV owners to monitor and manage RV power systems remotely, including turning the power on or off. It monitors for faults multiple times per second. If equipped with the Emergency Power Off (EPO) feature, should it detect an issue, it will immediately cut power to the RV and send an alert. Once the fault has been resolved and 90 seconds elapse, it automatically restores power. The Power Watchdog is available in 30-amp and 50-amp models, with and without the EPO feature; prices range from $159 to $379.

Walking around in the RV patio area or up and down the steps after dark can be treacherous. The motion-activated step light from Lippert helps to light the way and enhance safety. Powerful magnets attach the light to the Lippert Solid Step and other brands of RV steps. The LED light features a warm amber glow. It can also be detached and used for taking a night stroll in the campground, and it can be installed on magnetic surfaces in other areas. The light measures 6.75 inches long and 1.75 inches wide; is made from heavy-duty injection-molded plastic; and is IP65 rated for harsh weather. The price is $33.95.

FMCA's picks for tips you need now.

Do you have questions about your RV fresh-water system? In this blog post, Peter and John of the RV Geeks run through the gamut of issues that can occur and offer solutions and preventative measures.

If you’re looking for a way to spiff up your RV interior, upgrading the countertops will go a long way toward that goal. Tom and Cait of Mortons On The Move renovated a 20-year-old truck camper into a luxury overland vehicle and covered the existing countertops with epoxy. They share the pros, the cons, and the how-tos in this RV renovations and upgrades blog post.

’Tis the season for RV introductions. We’re spotlighting two new entries for 2025.

Grand Design, known for its popular lines of fifth-wheels and travel trailers, has entered the motorized marketplace with its Lineage Series M Class C motorhome, built on the Mercedes-Benz 4500 Sprinter chassis. Join Matt of Matt’s RV Reviews for a debut video with Grand Design officials.

Jayco has introduced a brand-new product line for 2025, the Jayco Jay Feather Air. Myles of Firmly Unbound does a walk-through and walk-around of the 18 MBH floor plan, a 23-foot entry-level unit with a Murphy bed and a bunk room. The 8-foot-wide single-axle travel trailer is outfitted with Goodyear Endurance tires, self-adjusting brakes, and an 11-cubic-foot refrigerator.

Grand Design Lineage Series M

Jayco Jay Feather Air 18MBH

Briter Products can customize and install a solar system for your RV that will allow you the freedom to travel wherever you like without worrying about a power source. The team at Briter will discuss your needs thoroughly and help to design a system that works for the way you travel. Awarded the title of "World's Greatest!" Battery by Bloomberg TV, Briter’s Ion-Ready lithium-iron phosphate (LiFePO₄) batteries — engineered for RV use — are at the heart of their power systems. 

The batteries offer twice the power and half the weight as compared with conventional lead-acid or AGM batteries. The solar panels in the system are completely made in the USA at the company’s facility in South Bend, Indiana, and were engineered specifically for RV use. FMCA members receive exclusive discounts on batteries and solar system installation. For more information, visit www.fmca.com/britersolar.

As an RV owner, protecting your RV is just one of your many priorities. With our member-only discounts, you can save on many things to enhance your RV lifestyle and travel experience. Click here to learn more about FMCA's member discounts.