In Episode 93 Eric Stark covers some ground from enjoying the outdoors on a bicycle to checking 12-volt relays with an awesome relay testing tool. Eric also explains what he meant by the title "Do you replace one shoelace or both?" Quite often when one part fails such as an LP Hose on an auto changeover regulator only one hose gets replaced when in reality it should be both LP Hoses. The same holds true for RV Deep Cycle batteries, if there are two batteries and they are the same age and one bat...
Jan 21, 2022•32 min
In Episode 92 Eric Stark Explains how to diagnose your RV Converter if it is not working. Eric also shares why it is also good to test the RV Batteries at the same time. There is nothing worse than wondering if the RV Batteries are good, bad, or almost dead. He also explains the difference between Deck Mount Converters and Power Centers with built-in converters. Converters are a very simple DIY project for just about any RVer who has a few tools and a voltmeter. Below are the manuals for Progres...
Jan 07, 2022•28 min
In Episode 91 Eric dives into the RV Life Style talking about living in your RV full time and sometimes it doesn't happen by choice. Many people today have been displaced or have moved into an RV out of necessity. With rents being doubled and tripled it has become difficult or impossible for some people to continue to live in a house. Also, there are many who are building new homes and have decided to live in the RV they already owned or are buying one for the first time. In either case, it can ...
Dec 24, 2021•28 min
In Episode 90 "The Best Way to Stay on the Road is to Not Lose Your RV" Eric Stark shares his thoughts on heading to the warmer southern states for the winter months. Eric spends a few minutes explaining how Texas, Florida, Arizona, and parts of Southern California are great places to spend the winter months. In Staying n the Road Eric dives into Security issues that can plague RVers and the potential of RV theft from mainly storage lots or RV's that are stored at home. The solution is not an al...
Dec 08, 2021•34 min
In Episode 89 Eric Stark covers some ground in the newly reformatted Podcast formerly known as Radio Arizona RV. This newly formatted episode takes you from an episode from the TV series the Twilight Zone to beautiful Yuma, AZ. Along the way, there is a short conversation explaining that the RV Lifestyle is not just for full-time RV'ers and how the RV Life Style is something that families and individual RV'ers can be part of and own. Let's not forget what can happen when we take our RV to a serv...
Dec 03, 2021•28 min
Hello, This is Eric Stark the host of Radio Arizona RV, the podcast for the DIY. I have some great news to share with you. The show is undergoing a rebranding and reformatting and will relaunch on Friday, Dec 3rd. Who is the new show for? The show will now have something for most RV’ers. Maintenance problems will be solved, useful products and awesome destinations will be discovered and the RV Life will be explored. What is Going to Change? I will still be spending the majority of the show on ho...
Nov 30, 2021•2 min
In episode 88 Eric Stark goes over the different types of trailer tires and potential problems that may arise with them. Eric will explain in depth why certain tires are better for your trailer and what are the common causes/signs of potential blowouts. You'll learn proper care for your tires to help increase safety, overall longevity, and learning when is the right time to replace your tires. Eric will also share good ideas to implement when purchasing tires to make sure you are staying as safe...
Aug 30, 2021•21 min
In episode 87 Eric walks us through proper maintenance and care for our RV's air conditioner. You'll also hear an update on the state of the RV parts industry given the continued global impact of the pandemic. You'll be guided through step-by-step (and in detail) how to maintain and care for your RV's air conditioner. Even if you don't plan on doing it yourself you'll learn exactly what you need to ask for when taking your RV to a shop! There is also a video version of this podcast, link is belo...
Aug 17, 2021•21 min
In episode 86 Eric discusses what happened with Atwood water heaters and why you can't find them anymore. If you've been wondering why you can't find any Atwood water heaters or their parts, Eric will help enlighten you as to what happened and what to do moving forward. This is the first Radio Arizona RV podcast to also exist on video. That way if there are any questions or you want to see exactly what Eric is talking about you can! (Link is included below) Video of this episode: https://www.you...
Jun 04, 2021•17 min
In episode 85 Eric goes in-depth on cellphone signal boosters and answers the question often asked, "Do cellphone signal boosters even work?" You'll hear an update on the current state of the RV parts industry during the pandemic, and what you should do if you are looking to buy parts. Eric will also answer a listeners' question, "What tire brand do you get behind?" If you are looking for informed, tried, and true answers, be sure to listen to this one! weBoost Cell Phone Signal Boosters Goodyea...
Apr 18, 2021•29 min
In episode 84 Eric welcomes new RV owners by giving tips and advice on what to do upon becoming an RV owner. There is a lot that goes into owning and maintaining an RV and researching online isn't always a surefire way to learn the best ways to do something or even reasonable ways of doing something. Eric helps parse through all of the opinions, explains the why behind them, and helps you decide what avenues could work best for you. If you have just become a new owner of an RV this episode will ...
Apr 02, 2021•29 min
In episode 83 Eric walks us through diagnosing problems with Atwood water heaters. More specifically Eric will cover 12 volt (or LP) systems and 120 volt systems, both before and after 2004. He'll be going through step by step explaining each part, how to check everything, and understanding how everything works and relates to the overall system. Understanding how your water heater system works and diagnosing problems with them will lead to fewer headaches down the road, whether that be for the D...
Feb 26, 2021•21 min
In episode 82 Eric walks us through diagnosing problems with Suburban Water Heaters . More specifically Eric will cover 110-volt system and propane (or 12 volts) systems found on Suburban Water Heaters. He'll be going through step by step explaining how everything works, what should be happening, and how it relates to the overall system. Learning how to diagnose water heater problems before they happen will save you a lot of headaches down the road. Not to mention how much easier it will be to t...
Feb 15, 2021•30 min
In episode 81 Eric walks us through how RV furnaces work and how to diagnose problems with them. Eric will take you step by step through each part of your furnace system while detailing any potential problems that may arise at each stop along the way. Furnaces are just like any other appliances on your RV, they aren't uniform and have many different makes and models. Eric goes over the importance of making sure you document the parts of not just your furnace but the rest of your RV as well. Be s...
Jan 29, 2021•26 min
In episode 80 Eric talks about saving money on buying diesel fuel by using the Mudflap app. Mudflap isn't just for people who own an RV it's for anyone who uses diesel fuel. By using the Mudflap app at select gas stations you will be able to save up to 50 cents per gallon on gas! Eric has sent this app out to some friends and has had nothing but a positive response from them about how easy and well it works. Using this app in the long run will end up saving you a good amount of money that could'...
Jan 15, 2021•16 min
In episode 79 Eric talks about 10 reasons why we are typically hesitant in pulling the trigger on RV repairs and how to overcome them. It's often very easy to fall into these traps and remain complacent while problems are becoming worse and worse. Eric will talk you through the common areas we all get caught up in and how to work through them so it's not as scary or intimidating. Part of doing DIY work is overcoming these reasons we give ourselves to avoid doing work in the first place. Staying ...
Dec 18, 2020•32 min
In episode 78 Eric discusses how interchangeable RV awning parts are. It's been tough finding the proper parts for your RV due to covid-19 and Eric has been asked a lot recently what if any parts are interchangeable when it comes to RV awnings. You'll learn what parts are okay to swap and what parts are not recommended to force together. He'll go over motors, arms, and fabrics in detail so you know exactly what to do for your specific situation. Since parts are becoming scarce now is a good time...
Dec 04, 2020•24 min
In episode 77 Eric answers the question: "Why can't I find my RV tail and clearance lights when I go to an RV store?" Finding replacement RV tail lights should be easy, but as Eric will tell you brands, makes, and models will come and go. You'll learn what to when you can't find your exact brand and model of RV tail/clearance lights. With winter quickly approaching now is the time to get a lot of your RV projects done. Eric gives advice on keeping lists and writing down replacement dates of part...
Dec 03, 2020•28 min•Ep. 77
In episode 76 Eric goes through the process of winterizing your RV. You'll also hear an update on how covid-19 is affecting the RV industry and what you should do in the current climate. Eric will go over everything in a nearly step by step process of winterizing your RV. With winter quickly approaching taking the necessary steps to ensure your RV will be properly winterized will not only give you peace of mind but also help your RV from unnecessary issues down the road. Stay safe everyone and t...
Nov 06, 2020•31 min
In episode 75 Eric reviews the Energizer Arc5 portable power station. You may remember Eric talking about this last week as the past two podcast recordings have been completely powered by the Arc5. He'll go over all of the important specifications and his experiences with using the Arc5 over the past couple of weeks. It truly opens up your possibilities for charging and running your electronics when you otherwise wouldn't have access to power. Having an extra source of power and one that's as re...
Oct 26, 2020•30 min
In episode 74 Eric does the dirty work and discusses black and grey RV water holding tanks. You'll learn everything involved in maintaining and making sure you prevent any possible issues regarding your RV holding tanks. He explains the differences between your two tanks and what the exact process is to make sure each tank stay functioning and clean. Eric goes over all the potential cleaning methods and gives you advice on which method he thinks is best. It's a dirty job but it needs done, make ...
Oct 16, 2020•29 min
In episode 73 Eric discusses RV power cords and 110-volt adapters. Eric gives a follow up to previous topics such as properly greasing and caring for your wheel bearings, and reexamines statements regarding never buying products from certain companies again. You'll hear a covid-19 update in regards to the RV parts industry and an important reminder that you need to look out for price gouging. Making sure you have the correct power cords and adapters may seem simple but there is often confusion a...
Sep 17, 2020•29 min
In episode 72 Eric dives into how to properly maintain your motorhome chassis to help prevent issues down the road. You'll hear an update on the state of the RV industry during the covid-19 pandemic and what you should do if you need parts. Keeping mileage and date records for your parts is just as important here as it was for your trailer chassis. One of the keys to not being overwhelmed to performing maintenance on your motorhome chassis is to break it down bit by bit. Eric will go through ste...
Aug 14, 2020•28 min
In episode 71 Eric talks about trailer chassis maintenance, whether it's a travel trailer, a fifth wheel, or any number of other trailers, all the principles will still apply. You'll learn how important and helpful keeping mileage and date records will allow you to be on top of problems before they arise. Eric will give a complete rundown of everything you need to do and check to maintain your trailer, from tires, breaks, wheel bearings, wiring, all the way to leaf springs and everything in betw...
Aug 08, 2020•31 min
In episode 70 Eric let's you know the best brands to buy from when searching for inverter style generators. Eric goes through a list of a lot of current day brands currently making inverter style generators and talks about who has been making the most reliable and best products in the current market. You'll learn why inverter style generators are most likely the best choice of generator for your RV. Eric also gives a covid-19 update from the perspective of finding RV parts in the current climate...
Jul 26, 2020•32 min
In episode 69 Eric gives a definitive answer on fixing the popping noise that can happen with hydraulic leveling systems. Eric goes through each step from making sure all hydraulics are retracted, to finding your hydraulics reservoir and replacing some of the fluids with fork oil, to precautionary measures and making sure the fluids are cycled properly. You'll also hear a covid-19 update and to help illustrate how it has affected the RV industry Eric discusses the availability of twist on valve'...
Jul 18, 2020•29 min
In episode 68 Eric reviews the biggest names in RV toilets and what to look for to find the right toilet for you and your RV. Eric gives a COVID-19 update from the perspective of the RV parts industry and gives advice for what to do in the coming weeks and months. Eric will discuss his recommendation, how to go about installing it, common problems that can arise, and which toilets have easily replaceable parts. Knowing and understanding how to fix or replace your toilet is absolutely vital, so b...
Jun 29, 2020•30 min
In episode 67 Eric focuses on the cost-effectiveness and benefits of owning sun shades for your RV. With hotter temperatures already arriving, blocking out the sun and heat will help make your summer all the more enjoyable. Eric also gives an update on the current state of finding and obtaining RV parts through the COVID-19 pandemic. If you are looking for a more cost affordable DIY project in addition to keeping things cooler and protecting your RV's interior from the sun, sun shades are defini...
Jun 13, 2020•29 min
In episode 66 Eric continues where he left off from the last episode to talk more specifically about RV slide out awnings. He explains why it's a good idea to call or talk to someone before ordering a slide-out awning, due to how easy it is to order the wrong one and to prevent the hassle of needing to return an order. He also revisits the current big companies in the RV awning business, Dometic/A&E, Solera, and Carefree of Colorado, and gives an update on how they are adapting to the COVID-...
May 23, 2020•31 min
In episode 65 Eric gives a comprehensive guide to everything you need to know about RV awnings. He takes a look at each of the current best companies in the RV awning business, Dometic, Solera, and Carefree of Colorado with an evaluation on how they've been running while considering the covid-19 crisis. Eric will give advice for replacing your current RV awning and help you answer the question "How do I choose a brand or model?" Be sure to listen if you've ever had any questions regarding RV awn...
May 16, 2020•30 min
