QuestHarbor - Recent questions and answers in RV Electrical and Plumbing

How do I size RV solar panels for weekend camping?

Sat, 20 Jun 2026 16:22:16 +0000

I’m trying to figure out what size RV solar setup I need for weekend camping, but I keep getting mixed advice online. I usually camp for 2 to 3 nights at a time and want to run lights, charge phones, maybe keep the water pump going, and occasionally use a fan or small inverter. I’m not sure how to match panel wattage, battery size, and my actual usage, so if you’ve sized a solar system for weekend trips, I’d really appreciate your advice and any tips that saved you from buying too much or too little.

How do I stop RV faucet drips from coming back?

Sat, 20 Jun 2026 14:29:50 +0000

I keep getting the same annoying drip from my RV faucet even after I’ve tried tightening it and replacing the washer once. It stops for a little while, then starts again, and I’m not sure if the problem is the cartridge, the water pressure, or something else in the system. If you’ve dealt with a faucet drip that keeps coming back in an RV, what actually fixed it for you?

What size inverter do I need for an RV coffee maker?

Sat, 20 Jun 2026 14:29:50 +0000

I want to run a small coffee maker in my RV when I am off-grid, but I am not sure what size inverter I actually need. My coffee maker is one of those basic drip models, and I keep seeing different advice about wattage, surge load, and whether a pure sine wave inverter matters. If you have set up an RV for this, could you share what inverter size worked for you and any tips to avoid tripping it?

Answered: Which RV water filter type is best for taste?

Sat, 20 Jun 2026 14:29:50 +0000

If your main goal is better taste, a carbon-based filter is usually the best place to start. In most RV setups, taste problems come from chlorine, odors, and some of the odd flavors that show up in campground water or old hoses. A good activated carbon filter does the most work on those issues, and that is why many RV owners notice an immediate improvement after installing one.

For a simple, budget-friendly option, an inline carbon filter is often enough. These are easy to hook up at the water spigot, and they do a solid job of taking the edge off bad-tasting water. They are convenient, light, and cheap to replace. The downside is that they usually only treat the water at the entry point, so they are not as thorough as more advanced systems.

If taste is your top priority, a dual-stage or multi-stage RV water filter usually performs better than a basic single inline filter. A common setup is sediment first, then carbon. The sediment stage catches dirt, sand, and rust, which helps protect the carbon stage and can improve overall clarity. The carbon stage then handles taste and odor. In real-world use, this setup often gives cleaner-tasting water than a single filter alone, especially if you travel to places with variable water quality.

Some people go even further and install a dedicated drinking water filter under the sink. That can make sense if you mostly want great-tasting water for drinking and coffee, while still keeping the rest of the RV plumbing on a simpler filter. A reverse osmosis system can improve taste a lot too, but in an RV it adds weight, cost, wastewater, and maintenance. For many travelers, that is more system than they actually need.

If you want the short answer, I would pick a high-quality activated carbon filter, and if your budget allows, go with a two-stage setup that includes sediment plus carbon. Also pay attention to certifications and flow rate. A filter can sound impressive on paper, but if it slows water too much or is not rated well, it may be frustrating to use. Replacing the filter regularly matters just as much as the brand name. A clogged or old filter can make water taste worse again.

One other thing people overlook is the hose and connection hardware. Use a drinking-water-safe hose and keep it clean. If your hose smells like plastic or has been sitting in the sun, the filter may not be the only reason the water tastes off.

Answered: How do I fix low water pressure in my RV shower?

Sat, 20 Jun 2026 14:29:50 +0000

Low water pressure in an RV shower usually comes down to one of a few common causes, and the good news is that most of them are fairly easy to check. Start with the simplest thing first: the shower head itself. Mineral buildup can clog the tiny holes inside it, especially if you use hard water or have been traveling in areas with heavy calcium deposits. Unscrew the shower head and run water through the hose for a moment. If the flow suddenly looks strong, the head is probably the problem. Soaking the shower head in vinegar can help break up buildup, and sometimes a replacement is the fastest fix if it is old or cheap.

If the shower head is fine, look at the water source. If you are hooked to city water, a pressure regulator that is set too low or failing can make the whole RV feel weak. A clogged inline filter can do the same thing. If your pressure is low only when connected to city water, try checking the regulator and any filters before you start opening up the plumbing. On the other hand, if you are using the fresh water tank and pump, listen to the pump while someone turns on the shower. A pump that cycles rapidly, sounds strained, or never seems to reach full pressure may be low on output, getting air in the line, or dealing with a weak diaphragm or clogged inlet screen.

Another common culprit is a kinked or partially blocked hose. This can happen inside the shower hose, behind a panel, or at a fitting where the line was bent too sharply during a repair. If the RV has a handheld shower wand, the hose can be the restriction even when the head is clean. It is also worth checking whether the faucet or mixing valve is limiting flow. Some RV shower valves get mineral buildup inside, and the water can come through unevenly or with poor pressure even when everything upstream is okay.

Temperature settings can fool people too. If the water is too hot, the mixing valve may be blending in more cold water than you realize, which can reduce the force at the shower head. Try adjusting the valve to different positions and see whether the pressure changes. If it does, the valve cartridge may be worn or partially clogged.

If the pressure problem only shows up in the shower and nowhere else, that narrows it down a lot. That usually points to the shower head, hose, or mixing valve rather than the pump or regulator. If the pressure is weak throughout the RV, then the issue is more likely the pump, regulator, filter, or a restriction in the main line. I would work from the outlet back toward the source, testing one part at a time instead of guessing.

One practical tip is to compare hot and cold separately if your setup allows it. If one side is strong and the other is weak, that is a big clue. Also, if your RV has a water filter system, make sure the cartridge is not overdue for replacement, because a loaded filter can cut pressure more than people expect. If you want, I can also help you make a simple step-by-step troubleshooting checklist for your exact RV setup.

How do I find a hidden water leak in my RV?

Sat, 20 Jun 2026 14:26:40 +0000

I’ve started noticing soft spots and a musty smell in my RV, but I can’t see any obvious water dripping anywhere. I’m worried there’s a hidden leak somewhere in the walls, floor, or under the cabinets, and I’m not sure where to begin looking without tearing everything apart. If you’ve dealt with a sneaky RV leak before, could you share how you found it and what actually worked?

How do I stop my RV batteries from draining overnight?