{"id":350022,"date":"2026-01-03T09:04:22","date_gmt":"2026-01-03T16:04:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.interactcp.com\/blog\/bishscom\/?p=350022"},"modified":"2026-01-21T15:33:00","modified_gmt":"2026-01-21T22:33:00","slug":"12-rv-mistakes-that-cost-you-money-and-can-make-you-sick","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bishs.com\/blog\/12-rv-mistakes-that-cost-you-money-and-can-make-you-sick\/","title":{"rendered":"12 RV Mistakes That Cost You Money (and Can Make You Sick)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">If you\u2019re an RVer, chances are you\u2019ve learned a few lessons the hard way. But a lot of the most <strong>expensive<\/strong>, <strong>frustrating<\/strong>, and even <strong>health-related<\/strong> problems RVers experience are totally avoidable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Using real service-center data, owner experiences, and insights from our very own RV expert,  <strong>Josh the RV Nerd<\/strong>, this guide breaks down the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bishs.com\/blog\/top-5-most-common-rv-problems-and-how-to-prevent-them\/\">most common RV mistakes<\/a> that can quietly drain your wallet, damage your camper, and sometimes even make you sick.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Below are <strong>12 quick but powerful RV tips<\/strong> to help keep your RV out of the service bay and keep money in your pocket.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"entry-content-asset\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"12 Common RV Mistakes &amp; How to AVOID Them!\" width=\"940\" height=\"529\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/Chv4RczYEG0?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"has-text-align-center has-large-font-size\" id=\"table-of-contents\">Table of Contents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\" style=\"font-size:23px\"><a href=\"#black\" data-type=\"internal\" data-id=\"#black\">Black Tank<\/a><br><a href=\"#anode\" data-type=\"internal\">Anode Rods<\/a><br><a href=\"#freshwater\" data-type=\"internal\" data-id=\"#freshwater\">Freshwater System<\/a><br><a href=\"#furnace\" data-type=\"internal\" data-id=\"#furnace\">Furnace<\/a><br><a href=\"#slide\">Slide-Out Jacks<\/a><br><a href=\"#rv\">RV Ladder<\/a><br><a href=\"#brake\">Brake Controllers<\/a><br><a href=\"#tankless\">Tankless Water Heater<\/a><br><a href=\"#demand\" data-type=\"internal\" data-id=\"#demand\">On Demand Water Heater<\/a><br><a href=\"#outside\" data-type=\"internal\" data-id=\"#outside\">Outside Shower<\/a><br><a href=\"#lithium\">Lithium Batteries<\/a><br><a href=\"#seals\">Seals<\/a><br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"has-text-align-center\" id=\"black\" style=\"font-size:32px\"><strong>Leaving the Black Tank Valve Open Creates a \u201cPoop Pyramid\u201d<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bishs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/504\/2025\/12\/2-black-water-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"RV black tank dump valves and sewer connection under the camper, showing normal and secondary black water valves used for RV waste management.\" class=\"wp-image-350023\" width=\"616\" height=\"462\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bishs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/504\/2025\/12\/2-black-water-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.bishs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/504\/2025\/12\/2-black-water-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.bishs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/504\/2025\/12\/2-black-water-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.bishs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/504\/2025\/12\/2-black-water.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 616px) 100vw, 616px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Many new RVers assume that if they\u2019re hooked up to sewer, they should leave the black tank open, just like a house.<br><br>But here&#8217;s what actually happens:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><li><strong>Liquid waste drains out\u2026 but solids stay behind.<\/strong><\/li><li>Those solids build up into a hardened \u201cpyramid.\u201d<\/li><li>Eventually, the tank clogs, smells awful, and requires expensive flushing or repairs.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Correct method:<\/strong><br>Keep the black tank <strong>closed<\/strong> until it\u2019s at least \u2154 full, then dump everything at once so the weight of the water carries solids out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"has-text-align-center\" id=\"anode\" style=\"font-size:32px\"><strong>Replacing Anode Rods Too Often Wastes Money<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bishs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/504\/2025\/12\/Anode-Rod.jpg\" alt=\"RV water heater anode rod replacement comparison showing corroded anode rod after one year versus brand-new anode rod, highlighting the importance of regular RV water heater maintenance.\" class=\"wp-image-350024\" width=\"728\" height=\"450\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bishs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/504\/2025\/12\/Anode-Rod.jpg 970w, https:\/\/www.bishs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/504\/2025\/12\/Anode-Rod-300x186.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.bishs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/504\/2025\/12\/Anode-Rod-768x475.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 728px) 100vw, 728px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">RVers frequently replace perfectly good anode rods because they \u201clook corroded.\u201d<br>But here\u2019s the truth:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><li>Anode rods are <strong>supposed<\/strong> to deteriorate.<\/li><li>They only need replacing once their outer metal has <strong>completely eaten away<\/strong> and the inner steel core is exposed.<\/li><li>Many water heaters (like Atwood aluminum tanks) <strong>don\u2019t need an anode rod at all<\/strong>.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Takeaway:<\/strong><br>An anode rod that looks rough is still doing its job. Don\u2019t replace it until it\u2019s truly spent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"has-text-align-center\" id=\"freshwater\" style=\"font-size:32px\"><strong>Drinking From Your Freshwater System May Make You Sick<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bishs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/504\/2025\/12\/Screenshot-2025-12-19-113322.png\" alt=\"Person using an outdoor RV shower to rinse hands beside a camper, demonstrating exterior water hookup for camping and outdoor cleanup.\" class=\"wp-image-350025\" width=\"493\" height=\"356\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bishs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/504\/2025\/12\/Screenshot-2025-12-19-113322.png 657w, https:\/\/www.bishs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/504\/2025\/12\/Screenshot-2025-12-19-113322-300x217.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 493px) 100vw, 493px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">This one surprises people:<br>Unless you <strong>sanitize your RV\u2019s freshwater system frequently<\/strong>, bacteria can build up in the tank and lines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Some campers report feeling sick after trips, and often, the culprit is contaminated onboard water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Safe approach:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><li>Drink bottled water or filtered water.<\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bishs.com\/blog\/common-rv-problems\/\">Sanitize tanks<\/a> regularly if you DO want to drink from them.<\/li><li>Never assume an RV\u2019s tanks are \u201cclean by default.\u201d<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"has-text-align-center\" id=\"furnace\" style=\"font-size:32px\"><strong>Furnace Turns On the A\/C Fan? It Might Not Be Broken<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">If your furnace kicks on and suddenly your A\/C fan starts running, it doesn\u2019t always mean a component has failed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">The most common cause?<br>The thermostat is set to <strong>FAN<\/strong> instead of <strong>AUTO<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">When set to FAN, the system circulates air anytime heating or cooling is active.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Fix:<\/strong><br>Switch the thermostat fan setting to <strong>AUTO<\/strong> when using the furnace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"has-text-align-center\" id=\"slide\" style=\"font-size:32px\"><strong>Stop Using Slide-Out Jack Supports<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bishs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/504\/2025\/12\/Screenshot-2025-12-19-113739.png\" alt=\"RV undercarriage showing stabilizer jack and plumbing components beneath the trailer during campsite setup and leveling.\" class=\"wp-image-350026\" width=\"563\" height=\"319\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bishs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/504\/2025\/12\/Screenshot-2025-12-19-113739.png 476w, https:\/\/www.bishs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/504\/2025\/12\/Screenshot-2025-12-19-113739-300x170.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 563px) 100vw, 563px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">You may think supporting your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bishs.com\/blog\/slide-out-systems\/\">slide-out<\/a> from below will \u201ctake stress off the mechanism,\u201d but it can actually:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><li>Twist the slide out of square<\/li><li>Bind the slide motors<\/li><li>Break seals<\/li><li>Prevent the slide from retracting<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Because the RV body shifts slightly on soft ground, supports create uneven pressure and force slides out of alignment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Tip:<\/strong><br>Do <strong>not<\/strong> use supports unless your manufacturer specifies them, very few do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"has-text-align-center\" id=\"rv\" style=\"font-size:32px\"><strong>Don\u2019t Strap Cargo to Your RV Ladder<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"754\" height=\"307\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bishs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/504\/2025\/12\/Screenshot-2025-12-19-140106.png\" alt=\"Man demonstrating proper RV ladder use with text overlay reading \u2018Don\u2019t strap crap to the RV\u2019s ladder,\u2019 highlighting RV safety and storage tips.\" class=\"wp-image-350028\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bishs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/504\/2025\/12\/Screenshot-2025-12-19-140106.png 754w, https:\/\/www.bishs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/504\/2025\/12\/Screenshot-2025-12-19-140106-300x122.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 754px) 100vw, 754px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Coolers, chairs, totes, bikes, generators, hoses\u2014people strap everything to rear ladders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">But RV ladders are only designed to support weight when:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><li>The RV is <strong>not moving<\/strong><\/li><li>The load is <strong>straight vertical<\/strong><\/li><li>The user climbs gently<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">When traveling, even light objects experience <strong>major G-force multiplication<\/strong>, often leading to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><li>Broken ladders<\/li><li>Roof leaks<\/li><li>Rear wall damage<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Best practice:<\/strong><br>Use a bumper-mounted rack or inside storage, not the ladder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"has-text-align-center\" id=\"brake\" style=\"font-size:32px\"><strong>Learn How Your Brake Controller Works (It Can Prevent Accidents)<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Incorrect brake controller settings are one of the most common causes of:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><li>Sway<\/li><li>Poor stopping<\/li><li>Feeling \u201cpushed\u201d through intersections<\/li><li>Premature brake wear<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Every brake controller, factory or aftermarket, requires <strong>gain adjustment<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">If gain is too low, the camper barely brakes.<br>If it\u2019s too high, the trailer brakes lock up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Before towing:<\/strong><br>Adjust gain according to trailer weight and driving conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"has-text-align-center\" id=\"tankless\" style=\"font-size:32px\"><strong>Tankless Water Heaters Require Strong Water Flow<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">If your tankless water heater runs hot for a moment but then shuts off, the issue is often the hose, not the heater.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Expandable \u201cshrinky\u201d hoses<\/strong> restrict flow as pressure drops, causing tankless units to malfunction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Use a <strong>dedicated RV <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bishs.com\/blog\/10-must-have-accessories-for-rvers-safety-and-comfort-on-the-road-in-2025\/\"><strong>drinking-water hose<\/strong> <\/a>(blue), not:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><li>Green garden hoses<\/li><li>Collapsible hoses<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"has-text-align-center\" id=\"demand\" style=\"font-size:32px\"><strong>Winterizing On-Demand Water Heaters Requires Antifreeze<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bishs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/504\/2025\/12\/Screenshot-2025-12-19-141253.png\" alt=\"RV tankless water heater access panel with text overlay reading \u2018They require good water flow,\u2019 highlighting RV water heater operation and plumbing requirements\" class=\"wp-image-350029\" width=\"544\" height=\"520\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bishs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/504\/2025\/12\/Screenshot-2025-12-19-141253.png 725w, https:\/\/www.bishs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/504\/2025\/12\/Screenshot-2025-12-19-141253-300x287.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 544px) 100vw, 544px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">With traditional gas\/electric tanks, an air blowout is often enough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">But tankless water heaters contain:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><li>Small channels<\/li><li>Tight bends<\/li><li>Heat exchangers<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Even a tiny amount of water left inside can freeze and destroy the unit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Correct method:<\/strong><br>Pump <strong>RV antifreeze<\/strong> through the entire system, not just air.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"has-text-align-center\" id=\"shower\" style=\"font-size:32px\"><strong>Don\u2019t Forget the Outside Shower<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bishs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/504\/2025\/12\/Screenshot-2025-12-19-142547.png\" alt=\"RV exterior utility panel showing fresh water connection, service access door, and plumbing hookups, with a hand pointing to the water system components\" class=\"wp-image-350030\" width=\"592\" height=\"475\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bishs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/504\/2025\/12\/Screenshot-2025-12-19-142547.png 789w, https:\/\/www.bishs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/504\/2025\/12\/Screenshot-2025-12-19-142547-300x241.png 300w, https:\/\/www.bishs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/504\/2025\/12\/Screenshot-2025-12-19-142547-768x616.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 592px) 100vw, 592px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">The most commonly forgotten fixture during winterizing is the <strong>outdoor shower<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">If water remains in:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><li>The hose<\/li><li>The showerhead<\/li><li>The mixing valve<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">\u2026it can freeze and burst.<br>During <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bishs.com\/blog\/get-rv-ready-camping\/\">de-winterizing<\/a>, leftover antifreeze trapped in this line can also cause bad smells or contamination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"has-text-align-center\" id=\"lithium\" style=\"font-size:32px\"><strong>Switching to Lithium Batteries Requires More Than a Drop-In Swap<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bishs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/504\/2025\/12\/Screenshot-2025-12-19-142802-1024x561.png\" alt=\"RV lithium battery upgrade components on a service counter, including a Renogy smart lithium iron phosphate battery and Orion DC-DC chargers at an RV service department.\" class=\"wp-image-350031\" width=\"768\" height=\"421\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bishs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/504\/2025\/12\/Screenshot-2025-12-19-142802-1024x561.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.bishs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/504\/2025\/12\/Screenshot-2025-12-19-142802-300x164.png 300w, https:\/\/www.bishs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/504\/2025\/12\/Screenshot-2025-12-19-142802-768x421.png 768w, https:\/\/www.bishs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/504\/2025\/12\/Screenshot-2025-12-19-142802.png 1084w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Lithium batteries behave differently than flooded lead-acid batteries. Connecting a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bishs.com\/blog\/lithium-rv-batteries-are-they-worth-it-pros-cons-costs-explained\/\">lithium<\/a> bank to a vehicle alternator without protection can:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><li>Overload the alternator<\/li><li>Damage electrical components<\/li><li>Reduce battery lifespan<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>You must use a:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><li><strong>DC-to-DC charger<\/strong>, OR<\/li><li>Disconnect the charge line (not recommended if you rely on travel charging)<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"has-text-align-center\" id=\"seals\" style=\"font-size:32px\"><strong>Clean Your Slide Seals Regularly<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Dirty <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bishs.com\/blog\/slide-out-maintenance-guide\/\">slide seals<\/a> act like sandpaper:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><li>Wearing down rubber<\/li><li>Creating grooves<\/li><li>Allowing leaks<\/li><li>Causing long-term water damage<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text alignwide is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"661\" height=\"441\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bishs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/504\/2025\/12\/Screenshot-2025-12-19-143112.png\" alt=\"RV interior wall with warning text overlay reading \u2018Avoid petroleum based or aerosol conditioners,\u2019 highlighting RV maintenance and safety advice.\" class=\"wp-image-350034 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bishs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/504\/2025\/12\/Screenshot-2025-12-19-143112.png 661w, https:\/\/www.bishs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/504\/2025\/12\/Screenshot-2025-12-19-143112-300x200.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 661px) 100vw, 661px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">How to clean them:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><li>Open slide<\/li><li>Wipe seals with warm water + mild dish soap<\/li><li>Close slide partway and clean the opposite side<\/li><li>Use a <strong>water-based<\/strong> slide seal conditioner (avoid aerosols)<\/li><\/ol>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Clean both <strong>outer<\/strong> and <strong>inner<\/strong> seals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"521\" data-id=\"350032\"  src=\"https:\/\/www.bishs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/504\/2025\/12\/Screenshot-2025-12-19-143002-1024x521.png\" alt=\"Close-up of RV exterior trim and seal with a finger pointing at the rubber gasket, illustrating proper RV seal inspection and maintenance.\" class=\"wp-image-350032\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bishs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/504\/2025\/12\/Screenshot-2025-12-19-143002-1024x521.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.bishs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/504\/2025\/12\/Screenshot-2025-12-19-143002-300x153.png 300w, https:\/\/www.bishs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/504\/2025\/12\/Screenshot-2025-12-19-143002-768x391.png 768w, https:\/\/www.bishs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/504\/2025\/12\/Screenshot-2025-12-19-143002.png 1220w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"594\" data-id=\"350033\"  src=\"https:\/\/www.bishs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/504\/2025\/12\/Screenshot-2025-12-19-143042-1024x594.png\" alt=\"Man pointing out RV interior wall trim and seal near a window, explaining proper RV maintenance and care to prevent damage and wear.\" class=\"wp-image-350033\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bishs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/504\/2025\/12\/Screenshot-2025-12-19-143042-1024x594.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.bishs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/504\/2025\/12\/Screenshot-2025-12-19-143042-300x174.png 300w, https:\/\/www.bishs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/504\/2025\/12\/Screenshot-2025-12-19-143042-768x445.png 768w, https:\/\/www.bishs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/504\/2025\/12\/Screenshot-2025-12-19-143042.png 1099w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Slide systems require proper lubrication and slide seal conditioning to extend their longevity, make sure you know what type of lubricant and conditioning your RV slide system requires! <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"has-text-align-center\" id=\"small-rv-habits-save-big-money\" style=\"font-size:32px\"><strong>Small RV Habits Save Big Money<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Most RV problems aren\u2019t major failures, they\u2019re slow, preventable issues caused by habits we don\u2019t realize are harmful. With a little knowledge, you can avoid unnecessary service visits, extend the life of your RV, and camp with confidence!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Whether you\u2019re protecting your tanks, maintaining your seals, improving your towing safety, or upgrading batteries, these small tips can add up to <strong>thousands in your pocket over the life of your RV<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">If you want more step-by-step guides and help on how to maintain your RV ownership check out the resources at<a href=\"https:\/\/info.bishs.com\/rvfix-home-page\"> <strong>Bishs.com<\/strong><\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">We are here to help you have fewer repairs, lower your costs, and experience smoother adventures. Happy camping!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text alignwide is-stacked-on-mobile is-vertically-aligned-top\" style=\"grid-template-columns:15% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"545\" height=\"641\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bishs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/504\/2024\/09\/brooke_erickson.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-342962 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bishs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/504\/2024\/09\/brooke_erickson.jpg 545w, https:\/\/www.bishs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/504\/2024\/09\/brooke_erickson-255x300.jpg 255w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 545px) 100vw, 545px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p class=\"has-text-color\" style=\"color:#005568;font-size:18px\">Written By: Brooke Erickson<br><em>Some say I am a writer, I like to say I am a storyteller<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-bottom:20px; padding-top:10px;\" class=\"hupso-share-buttons\"><!-- Hupso Share Buttons - http:\/\/www.hupso.com\/share\/ --><a class=\"hupso_counters\" href=\"http:\/\/www.hupso.com\/share\/\"><img src=\"https:\/\/static.hupso.com\/share\/buttons\/dot.png\" style=\"border:0px; padding-top:2px; float:left;\" alt=\"Share Button\"\/><\/a><script type=\"text\/javascript\">var hupso_services_c=new Array(\"twitter\",\"facebook_like\",\"google\",\"pinterest\");var hupso_counters_lang = \"en_US\";var hupso_image_folder_url = \"\";var hupso_url_c=\"\";var hupso_title_c=\"12 RV Mistakes That Cost You Money (and Can Make You Sick)\";<\/script><script type=\"text\/javascript\" src=\"https:\/\/static.hupso.com\/share\/js\/counters.js\"><\/script><!-- Hupso Share Buttons --><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If you\u2019re an RVer, chances are you\u2019ve learned a few lessons the hard way. But a lot of the most expensive, frustrating, and even health-related problems RVers experience are totally avoidable. Using real service-center data, owner experiences, and insights from &hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bishs.com\/blog\/12-rv-mistakes-that-cost-you-money-and-can-make-you-sick\/\">Continued<\/a><\/p>\n<div style=\"padding-bottom:20px; padding-top:10px;\" class=\"hupso-share-buttons\"><!-- Hupso Share Buttons - http:\/\/www.hupso.com\/share\/ --><a class=\"hupso_counters\" href=\"http:\/\/www.hupso.com\/share\/\"><img src=\"https:\/\/static.hupso.com\/share\/buttons\/dot.png\" style=\"border:0px; padding-top:2px; float:left;\" alt=\"Share Button\"\/><\/a><script type=\"text\/javascript\">var hupso_services_c=new Array(\"twitter\",\"facebook_like\",\"google\",\"pinterest\");var hupso_counters_lang = \"en_US\";var hupso_image_folder_url = \"\";var hupso_url_c=\"\";var hupso_title_c=\"12 RV Mistakes That Cost You Money (and Can Make You Sick)\";<\/script><script type=\"text\/javascript\" src=\"https:\/\/static.hupso.com\/share\/js\/counters.js\"><\/script><!-- Hupso Share Buttons --><\/div>","protected":false},"author":1075,"featured_media":350035,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[217,215],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bishs.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/350022"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bishs.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bishs.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bishs.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1075"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bishs.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=350022"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/www.bishs.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/350022\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":350280,"href":"https:\/\/www.bishs.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/350022\/revisions\/350280"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bishs.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/350035"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bishs.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=350022"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bishs.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=350022"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bishs.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=350022"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}