A Very Common But Forgotten RV Maintenance

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2 жыл бұрын

My friends at Integrity RV received a very nice 2015 Tiffin Phaeton but were a bit concerned about the bathroom door opening. It was way too wide and were sure the walls were moving and needed an expensive repair. They asked if I could fix it or if there was a big issue with it. I have seen this many many times and its pretty common due to the wood in the door shrinking and the wood in the walls and the wood in the trim....and likely the gap was a bit too wide from the factory. But this gave me a good opportunity to show that the solid wood construction in higher end RVs needs attention and maintenance too. Hopefully I do a good enough job to convince you to live in your RV more or at least be aware of the moisture inside your RV a bit more.
Thanks for watching!
Also thanks to Richard and the crew at Cassone's RV for allowing me access to their shop!!
3032 E Main St
Mesa, AZ 85213
480 357-5200
cassonesrv.com
The Phaeton will be for sale at:
Integrity RV
2323 E Main St
Mesa, AZ 85213
(480) 668-1212
integrityrvaz.com

Пікірлер: 317

@denisbeaulieu3004 2 жыл бұрын

Besides James’ wealth of knowledge and humble and informative information, does anyone else appreciate his artistry in shooting his videos? I mean ripping a sheet of Luan one handed while recording!!?? That’s some stunt work right there!! Much respect from Kitchener, Ontario Canada.

@AZExpert 2 жыл бұрын

LOL Thanks Denis! I appreciate it

@ggsdrummer Жыл бұрын

Incredibly talented very informative enjoy watching his repairing an inspector!! Keep it going James I love it!! Beautiful😎👍🏻

@lynnemarieallan5013 2 ай бұрын

Your Beaver RV and its woodwork is absolutely gorgeous. Thank you for your info. You are truly an RVers friend ,

@DLTJR1959 2 жыл бұрын

As a degreed furniture engineer you allow the panel to float inside the rails and stiles by just pinning the panel. No glue on the panels, just on the stiles and rails. The panels must be prefinished on the tongue that inserts into the groove of the stiles and rails. Once movement occurs the prefinished panel tongue will not be noticed since it was prefinished before assembly into the door. Lumber should be kiln dried to 6%-7% MC before assembly. That will give you a good range with EMC's in the US. Still have shrink and swell though. Just have to manage it. Thanks for the videos. I appreciate them.

@AZExpert 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the info! and thanks for watching

@buckjones6334 Жыл бұрын

I really appreciate witnessing two experts exchanging valuable information! Thank you both!!

@johnf2568 2 жыл бұрын

James you can make basic repairs very interesting to watch, thanks!

@AZExpert 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching! :)

@joegeorgia8989 2 жыл бұрын

Your problem solving and skill fixing things is always impressive! Thanks for posting.

@AZExpert 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching! :)

@daltonprince3287 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for the time that you take posting videos to help us out with our repairs on our RVs

@AZExpert 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching! :)

@badgerpa9 2 жыл бұрын

You are a very skilled tech, you have taught your viewers so much. Thank you Sir. Stay safe and healthy.

@AZExpert 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching! :)

@LayloNewt 2 жыл бұрын

We enjoyed the video. Plus another learning experience that most people including me never thought about wood shrinkage. Thanks

@AZExpert 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching! :)

@tyflesh 2 жыл бұрын

Good to know information as always! Appreciate taking us with you on day to day repairs 👍

@AZExpert 2 жыл бұрын

You're welcome!

@kencraig7308 2 жыл бұрын

This shrinkage problem you speak of I've never heard of on RVs, but I do know of a guy that goes by the the name of George Costanza who experienced such a issue after being in the pool 🥶

@AZExpert 2 жыл бұрын

HAHAHAHAH!!

@bobellis1022 2 жыл бұрын

Great instructional video James! Love the channel and all of the wisdom you impart to us lesser knowledgeable people!

@AZExpert 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching! :)

@markdemedeiros3239 2 жыл бұрын

Always learn something from each and every video....you would be really proud of me....I actually serviced my two a/c units on my 2011 Tiffen Allegro Red.....It was actually enjoyable and one unit had not been serviced for years if ever while the other must have been replaced not two long ago. Made me proud to be able to do it on my own....with your advice and knowledge to guide me. Your videos are invaluable to any RV owner. That being said my roof now needs a wash really bad. 😞😞😞

@AZExpert 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching! :)

@WaitWhat-jy9ck 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the info because I've had the same issue on my Tiffin and wasn't sure of the best fix. You nailed it, literally and figuratively.

@AZExpert 2 жыл бұрын

Awesome! Glad to help

@tree_monkey3120xp 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing definitely learned something! Hope you have a wonderful rest of your weekend!

@AZExpert 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching! :)

@philw7174 2 жыл бұрын

Wow, that is some serious shrinking. Interesting video James, thank you for the schooling. Happy trails!

@AZExpert 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching! :)

@buckjones6334 Жыл бұрын

This is the type of video that I need! I knew the wood shrinks over time, but this was a good reminder! Also, your correction may be common to you but it was genius to me! Thank you so much!

@AZExpert Жыл бұрын

Thanks Buck! Hope it works for you

@TomSpurlock 2 жыл бұрын

Good one! I never heard about the bucket of water trick. Interesting storage trick, especially in AZ.

@AZExpert 2 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it!

@deanholicz5444 Жыл бұрын

James, Thank you for all the informative How to videos you've made focused on RV's. You're an awesome teacher. Great video work.

@AZExpert Жыл бұрын

Thanks Dean!

@AZExpert Жыл бұрын

Thanks Dean!

@sissinoklahoma2057 2 жыл бұрын

This was an Amazing video! So much vital information AND Practical tips! Thank you!

@AZExpert 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching! :)

@ernieb3626 2 жыл бұрын

another great video. You do make the most basic repairs interesting to watch.

@AZExpert 2 жыл бұрын

That's very Kind!

@daltonprince3287 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for the time you take making post to help us out.

@AZExpert 2 жыл бұрын

You're welcome!

@gregmoore3420 Жыл бұрын

Wow, Always learning from you. You are the Grand Master.

@AZExpert Жыл бұрын

LOL Thanks

@reginaldballard4038 2 жыл бұрын

nice repair. Never would have known to do it that way if I hadn't seen your video. thanks!

@AZExpert 2 жыл бұрын

You're welcome!

@jamesdrew7315 2 жыл бұрын

Great video James, good information to have thanks very much!!!

@AZExpert 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching! :)

@gereshomeE Жыл бұрын

AMAZING workmanship! ☺

@robertgarrett5009 2 жыл бұрын

This shows how the interior partitions are made, very insightful.

@AZExpert 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching! :)

@JimmyShawsTidbits1 2 жыл бұрын

My wife was just telling me about her sister's house in Yuma that the swamp cooler A/C runs all year long. My wife didn't understand why. Luckily I saw this video and I was able to show it to her because you explain it better than I could. LOL!!! Great video my friend.

@AZExpert 2 жыл бұрын

LOL Thanks for watching!

@BeerHunter1953 Жыл бұрын

Makes me wish I lived in Mesa. Very talented technician. Would definitely trust you with any RV repair.

@RebeccaRaven 2 жыл бұрын

Good job! Always love these videos...

@AZExpert 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching! :)

@bobmariano3731 Жыл бұрын

Nice repair James , very clean 👍⚾️

@jackbrown9182 Жыл бұрын

Awesome! ALWAYS LEARNING something new from you! Thank you sir! from...Galveston texas

@AZExpert Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching! :)

@MarkHey Жыл бұрын

That was most interesting to watch. My Holiday Rambler was spending its first 14 years in the dry climate of Arizona were we found it and brought it over to good old and much more humid Germany. And since its one 2003 HR Imperial, the types and modelyears that you recommended in previous videos, it has no cracks or loose wood connections. Thank god! Right now i sit at my desk, looking outside the window and see my RV in the driveway. I have a remote sensor temp/humidity gauge right in here that shows 59% outside (Fresh air) and 56% in the closed rv. And dry 30% in my heated house. I guess for my own skin ..and my plants .. the air in the rv would be much better. Greets from Germany and keep up with your good work!

@AZExpert Жыл бұрын

Thanks!

@Joe-rv3ei 2 жыл бұрын

Very informative video James! That explains the gap in the middle of the long piece of wood molding that runs the length of living area slide out. I thought it was very poor craftsmanship, but no doubt shrinkage.

@AZExpert 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching! :)

@gary.joseph 2 жыл бұрын

The blooper reel at the end of this video is awesome! Thanks for the info and the laughter! :D

@AZExpert 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Gary!

@loydalexander154 Жыл бұрын

Yea James I've heard when you get older your wood does shrink up a bit. Lol love the videos keep going thanks

@2AZSUN 2 жыл бұрын

James, doing this every day for you seems basic and pretty simple, but when you aren't doing what you do everyday, it's all stuff we don't tend to think about. Key take away on this one for me...I need a bucket! Thank you for that. Completely worth my 12 minutes.

@AZExpert 2 жыл бұрын

Hey glad to help!

@marychristie6194 2 жыл бұрын

I found this interesting and I didn’t know about the wood maintenance-thank you -not boring 😀👍🚌🇺🇸

@AZExpert 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching! :)

@jebutah9705 2 жыл бұрын

Again an outstanding video with a brilliant idea.

@AZExpert 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching! :)

@mikemoxley9477 2 жыл бұрын

Great information to have for possible same issue. Thanks

@AZExpert 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching! :)

@richardmathews5457 2 жыл бұрын

I believe your Beaver was made in Bend Oregon in the central part of the state. I have a 40 ft Beaver Marquis with the cat c12 @ 505 hp. I’ve been told they moved operations to Eugene after 2002. The power to weight ratio in these rigs is astounding. 26000 lbs with 1650 lbs of torque.

@AZExpert 2 жыл бұрын

They are truly amazing!

@KRT045 2 жыл бұрын

Nice job James!

@AZExpert 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching! :)

@stevest.martin3940 2 жыл бұрын

My Tiffin had that exact problem with the bathroom door. I had to put pillows in front of the bathroom door when we traveled before I had it fixed to stop,it opening while driving. My Tiffin has the 7 k generator option that’s one of the reasons I bought a Tiffin.

@AZExpert 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching! :)

@ph8632 2 жыл бұрын

Great video........ Thanks for posting!

@AZExpert 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching! :)

@rjahn3000 2 жыл бұрын

Excellent, my 2019 RED has the same door and issue. Thanks!!

@AZExpert 2 жыл бұрын

Glad it helped

@DavidHBurkart 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the insights James

@AZExpert 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching! :)

@pault1964 2 жыл бұрын

As always nicely done

@AZExpert 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching! :)

@DesertAdventuresinArizona 2 жыл бұрын

Good information…Now I know how to approach this problem in my RV.

@AZExpert 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching! :)

@darkcontrast8470 Жыл бұрын

I just have to say I appreciate the Prius so much. I've been doing this in the trunk of a 2008 Corolla for 2 years, and not to say it doesn't have its challenges but it sure does save on gas

@xxlxpman 10 ай бұрын

Nice tip, Thanks!!

@thewiseguy3529 2 жыл бұрын

I love watching your videos! Great stuff

@AZExpert 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching! :)

@thewiseguy3529 2 жыл бұрын

@@AZExpert yep you bet! Thanks for taking us along! ',:D

@Jason-vw7iq 2 жыл бұрын

Another awesome video 💪

@AZExpert 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching! :)

@Brian-os9qj 2 жыл бұрын

Nicely repaired

@AZExpert 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks

@MrTubeman123456 2 жыл бұрын

Dont talk yourself down you're a really talented guy you doing viewers a great service the Bob villa of movie homes.

@AZExpert 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching! :)

@dannysampson398 2 жыл бұрын

Great Video!!!

@AZExpert 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching! :)

@coreymerritt7742 2 жыл бұрын

Nice job James

@AZExpert 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching! :)

@zombienectar 2 жыл бұрын

shims are a nice reversible choice in case of rehydration. Another informative video !

@KRT045 2 жыл бұрын

I agree, a lot of comments here about if they travel to a more humid area. My guess is it Would probably take a considerable amount of time to swell that much but if it did, easy solution to fix.

@AZExpert 2 жыл бұрын

Yes they are! Thanks for watching! :)

@deltabravo1257 2 жыл бұрын

Excellent video. Shrinkage of wood was something I never considered.

@AZExpert 2 жыл бұрын

Especially in the desert

@ernieb3626 2 жыл бұрын

lololol thanks for the outtakes at the end James. lolol

@AZExpert 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!! :)

@jeffsteele1295 2 жыл бұрын

Hello James being around 60 miles from Red Bay, Alabama. I can tell you during the summer months it gets hot and very humid . Most if not all the doors in my house has the same problem they shut good in summer, and not good at all in the winter months. But this happens in most different parts of the world as well. Then I have a wood heater in the winter months I will have to put a big pot of water on top of the stove to add moisture back into the house lol go figure.

@AZExpert 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

@heatherr.7606 2 жыл бұрын

Love these videos!

@AZExpert 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching! :)

@Wheres_Bobby 2 жыл бұрын

Very helpful information.

@AZExpert 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching! :)

@icsamerica 2 жыл бұрын

Well done!

@AZExpert 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching! :)

@marknielsen5352 2 жыл бұрын

Appreciate the videos you do! Pick tip almost everyone Thank You

@AZExpert 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching! :)

@forestruth5731 2 жыл бұрын

Great information

@AZExpert 2 жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

@FreedomIsntFree2023 2 жыл бұрын

Living in Southern Nevada, the swamp cooler on the RV garage keeps plenty of moisture in the air for the RV now....what a difference. Used the bucket brigade (3 buckets) for years, but really feel it did nothing as shrinkage was still an issue. That was on a Bounder at the time.

@AZExpert 2 жыл бұрын

Yes this would be for people who do not have an RV garage

@rickgriffith1 2 жыл бұрын

Great video! Thank you.👍🏼😎

@AZExpert 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

@johnfleming7729 2 жыл бұрын

James, great job. How do you repair a cabinet door with an insert panel that has shrunk revealing light through the gap ?

@97minitaco 2 жыл бұрын

Yes, I'm from Alabama and you can wear the air here. :) My camper tends to go through these cycles as well.

@AZExpert 2 жыл бұрын

I imagine you have issues when you go to a dry climate

@johncoyne7004 Жыл бұрын

Common knowledge is very uncommon. Thanks so much

@AZExpert Жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

@CozyLivingMachine 2 жыл бұрын

I legitimately had no idea this was a thing. You might think this is basic, but it's absolutely helpful! Thanks for the video!

@AZExpert 2 жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

@roneddington7564 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks James, I have a 2000 Foretravel U320 with solid Walnut cabinets. It also has Walnut wainscoting and doors. What products should I use on the Walnut to maintain it? Thanks again, Ron

@benjaminjordan2762 2 жыл бұрын

I live in Louisiana and can speak to the humidity in the south and like you said we have to dry out our rvs.

@AZExpert 2 жыл бұрын

I don't think I could handle it in the summer

@carmencolon3520 2 жыл бұрын

Never thought about the care of real wood in the rv. Thanks for the reminder. Love high end rvs; just need them under 30".

@AZExpert 2 жыл бұрын

They make them smaller, Just not Class A.

@carmencolon3520 2 жыл бұрын

@@AZExpert what class and how I reach them? Manufacturer or year. Still learning to classified them. Oh by the way KZfaq vintage rv restoration is Flyte Camp. Just something to enjoy and appreciate old rvs restoration. 😍

@dewaynemiguel3349 2 жыл бұрын

It's funny you mention the bucket for humidity driving truck I used a jar of water on the dash at night in az so the air wouldnt dry out did it for years so it works.

@AZExpert 2 жыл бұрын

Hahaha it does work!

@duaneclark3539 Жыл бұрын

The wall moves in those tiffins I had an Allergo bus that did that I would have to knock the wall back periodically with my palm of my fist a few good blows and foot pressure and the door fit perfectly again.

@AZExpert Жыл бұрын

The good old meat hammer

@westwalker8314 26 күн бұрын

Yes! But which way to move the wall- towards inside the bathroom, or outward to the hallway?!

@sailorjohnboy2325 2 жыл бұрын

I've got the opposite problem, high humidity. I've got a 35 qt dehumidifier that's plugged in 24/7 year round.

@AZExpert 2 жыл бұрын

How fast does it fill up

@sailorjohnboy2325 2 жыл бұрын

@@AZExpert sorry been busy. During rainy season, every couple of days.

@westwalker8314 26 күн бұрын

Yet, couldn’t you keep your AC on in the unit (I’m in SWFL with RV parked, hooked in onsite). We have loads off water dripping off AC daily.

@JohnFourtyTwo 2 жыл бұрын

I've had to re-shim some closet doors in my condo because it's settled quite a bit shortly after being built about 12 years ago; or the contractors were so sloppy they just didn't care. I just put some thin pieces of file folder type cardboard directly under the middle and bottom hinges until I got enough lift to where the ball-spring latch at the top would catch again and work properly. It looks fine and unless you whip out the tape measure you won't notice the slight gap of about 1/8-inch at the bottom hinge.

@AZExpert 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching! :)

@DIYNauticalDream 2 жыл бұрын

This is a very informative video. Thank you so much for sharing this information. Once we get home from our boat, I am going to look around the door trim on our RV. I would like to ask, can the reverse happen if the RV is traveling through a more humid area? Thanks so much for the great information. I learned something new today.

@AZExpert 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching! :)

@rickbottoms7838 2 жыл бұрын

I live in Washington. Wood shrinking is not a problem. I have never even considered having to shim a opening like you showed. My mind immediately went to “when that wood swells back up that door is going to stick like crazy!”😮

@AZExpert 2 жыл бұрын

It will be fine

@NoelBarlau 2 жыл бұрын

We have the opposite problem in our travel trailer down here in Atlanta, the bathroom door contacts the trim and rubs near the top of the door frame when closing. I'm still trying to figure out how to remove some width to solve the issue without shaving down either the door or the frame.

@bej5534 2 жыл бұрын

Love your videos my brother

@AZExpert 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching! :)

@13yearsaprepperr.jtilbury.51 2 жыл бұрын

Great info , Im in Australia and have 3 or 4 mm gap in most doors and fittings , I did the same to the bathroom door as a bonus it stopped rattling driving down the road Rob NSW Australia

@AZExpert 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching! :)

@13yearsaprepperr.jtilbury.51 2 жыл бұрын

@@AZExpert every vid buddy , I never miss one rob

@TONYANDBRENDA1969 2 жыл бұрын

Interesting. Thanks for sharing

@AZExpert 2 жыл бұрын

You're welcome Tony

@fmerkl 2 жыл бұрын

Nice pointer!

@AZExpert 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Frank!

@JR-playlists 2 жыл бұрын

I always enjoy unintended wood movement.....

@AZExpert 2 жыл бұрын

Giggity

@DouglasJames27 2 жыл бұрын

I once outfitted my entire garage with 20 some odd new cabinets from an employee of a cabinet manufacturer. Any rejects he would take home and store in two different storage areas and resell them. They were various stained combinations but I ended up painting them all machinery grey. The point is, when we visited his storage the first thing he did was refill several buckets and bowls of water spread throughout the area for this same exact reason...shrinkage, and I live in So. Cal.

@AZExpert 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching! :)

@tp2315 8 ай бұрын

Like the quick edit when you let the bit walk out of the screw on the door frame of a customer coach. Oooops!

@AZExpert 8 ай бұрын

thanks, I mean it's my rv so.....

@Thesaltymedic36 2 жыл бұрын

I had the large tub of damp rid in my camper and the small ones in the storage spots. Maryland humidity is no joke 😂

@AZExpert 2 жыл бұрын

You speak the truth

@tomedgar4375 2 жыл бұрын

Great info. 👍

@AZExpert 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching! :)

@Shadow_Banned_Conservative Жыл бұрын

Great channel you have here, discovered it while researching RVs and inspections before purchase. Out of curiosity though for this type of repair, do you hear back from people you shim their doors that when they went back to a humid climate that the wood swells again and now they can't open their doors, cabinets, etc? BTW, I live on the east coast but spend the first 19 years of my life in Apache Junction before leaving for the Army in 1990, only been back a handful of times since. I just can't take those summers anymore. In fact, I like being cold all the time now and retirement will likely take me to the New England area, New Hampshire, Vermont, or Maine is where I'm thinking I'll wind up in the next ten years.

@askmslynnllc5363 2 жыл бұрын

You can also use double stick tape to hold shims until you screw the trim in place.

@AZExpert 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the tip

@alkraus8818 2 жыл бұрын

Great video! Any experience with the "quality" of Vanleigh 5th Wheels??? We just put a deposit on a 377FL and am worried about all that natural wood and keeping the RV dry in FL where it will be kept 7-9 months each year.

@iglapsu88 2 жыл бұрын

Will the door tighten back up in a humid environment? We use dessicant dehumidifier in our RV. Nice Video. Thanks!

@AZExpert 2 жыл бұрын

Possibly

@rockwasher7840 2 ай бұрын

We are brothers from another mother, I’m better looking.lol Skills!! Would be fun to work with you! Great work.

@anotherjoe5675 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the video... Will now go out and check the oak cabinetry in our Winnebago coach... Just wondering with 1/2 inch worth of shims, whether or not the bathroom door in the Tiffin will be dragging if the coach returns to a high humidity environment for a length of time?...

@AZExpert 2 жыл бұрын

Seems like I should make another video...guess a trip to the PNW is a business expense

@winginitwithjohn8451 2 жыл бұрын

Paint stir sticks make great shims for a hidden position.

@AZExpert 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the tip

@KevinCoop1 2 жыл бұрын

James, I’m guessing that RV has been sitting in Az unused for a few months. I’ve done some woodworking since classes I had in college(not a professional. Built our home cabinets out of walnut, made some furniture, and turned some bowls. Here is my big concern. If this RV stays in Arizona, no issues. If it goes to a more humid area and stays there for a few months, that door may now jamb so tight, you will have to pull the hinge pins to get the door out. Wood expands and contracts with moisture content. The door and the cabinet faces will go to original size or larger. Great video. Best wishes, Kevin

@AZExpert 2 жыл бұрын

That is correct.

@CC-fx4nn 2 жыл бұрын

Nice Motorhome! Now the question that I would have is that if that motorhome should find itself in the pacific NW, would the newly shimmed bathroom door swell back up to the point it would stick shut, or no longer shut? My Lance trailer has a wood they call lite-ply which swells noticeably when you get it around high humidity, such as when I go to the Oregon coast. When that happens a number of the interior storage compartments will not shut until things dry out a bit. Just one of those unexpected things I learned soon after getting this trailer. Thanks for the info..........Good Video!

@AZExpert 2 жыл бұрын

Potentially