Taking Care Of Your RV

Selecting RV Replacement Parts: A Resource Guide For Consumers

It's funny, you know, how certain material things can take on a life of their own - they can become a part of the family. If you love the outdoors life, you may just feel that way about your Recreational Vehicle (RV). And if you have spent many years traveling in your RV you don't want to get rid of it now that it has aged a bit and is in need of some repairs. No, you want to find the best possible RV replacement parts for your beloved traveling companion. In this brief article we want to mention just two of the types of RV replacement parts that are available, describing your purchase options for each.

RV Furnaces

RV furnaces are one of the most important items in any RV, as you will always be needing a furnace to keep you warm when the weather turns cooler. Many folks enjoy camping and outdoor living in the winter, and without a good RV furnace that will be impossible. So, choosing a furnace RV replacement part is crucial. When selecting a unit, pay attention to the BTU rating of the furnace - this is a good indicator of how much heat the unit will put out. Your furnace will need to heat the air in some way, often by burning gas or fuel. Make sure that you have the proper fuel hookups in your trailer. Most manufacturers provide RV replacement part adaptor kits, which will allow you to install the unit in your type of RV.

In addition to proper installation of your RV furnace, you also need to be concerned with accessibility: how easily can you access key components if smaller furnace RV replacement parts need to be replaced in the near future? Also, consider the type, size and location of the furnace thermostat - you will need the right type of thermostat RV replacement part - one designed and sold with the furnace is best.

One important note: This is one type of RV replacement part that should never be repaired by the consumer, unless they are properly trained and certified to handle furnace installation and repairs. Fires, explosions, injuries and even loss of life can result from an improperly installed furnace!

RV Hitch Balls, Receivers and Hitch Pins

Need a new RV hitch ball, receiver or hitch pin? As these types of RV replacement parts are used in towing, they need to be the highest quality possible. Don't make the mistake of loosing a boat or storage unit from the back of your RV while traveling because you decided to install a cheaper RV replacement part. You can find quality chrome balls, mounts (single, dual - even three-ball mounts), coupler locks and pins if you will take the time to look for a reputable dealer. Your best bet: check with the dealer who sold you your RV in the first place. Dealers who sell RV's and trailers usually sell good-quality RV replacement parts (their customers will not be back if they don't).

To get the right type of RV hitch, you will need to take some measurements. You will need to know the "Length" (the distance from the center of the ball hole to the center of the pin hole), the "Rise" (the distance from the top of the ball platform to the top of the shank of the ball mount), and the "Drop" (the distance from the top of the ball platform to the top of the shank). If you can give these measurements to your dealer, she or he can locate the right RV replacement part.