TJ&LadyDi
RVF "Dinosaur"
RVF is a great place to find help with an RV issue! There are many knowledgeable and experienced RVers on this forum that are willing to share what they know. Among them are the traditional "doctors, lawyers and (probably a couple of) Indian chiefs," along with mechanics, electricians, plumbers and a whole bunch more. What we do not have, however, are mind readers; not a single one! That's where the requestor's help is needed.
When posting a request for help with a RV issue of any kind, some basic information is needed. At an absolute minimum, knowing the type, make, model and year of the RV is critical. Why is knowing the RV type needed? Just having a model number (e.g. SuperLite 2655) doesn't tell potential help sources whether they are dealing with a travel trailer, motorhome or something else. And, it does make a difference. Few, if any, potential helpers on RVF know all the RV model numbers out there and can identify the type by them. Knowing the specific type/make/model/year RV involved gets everyone on the same page.
Then, if the issue involves a component of the RV (furnace, air conditioner, water heater, stove, thermostat, etc.), providing the brand and model number is very helpful. That information can usually be found on a plate attached to the component, printed on a sticker inside the case or...sometimes...in the RV owners manual. If that information is not readily available, someone on RVF can frequently help anyway; based on the specific RV information noted above.
A good description of the problem is certainly helpful too. Knowing the details of what is or isn't happening with the problem item is key to getting a good, solid and timely answer. And, detailing what, if any, diagnostic steps have been taken and/or repairs have been attempted is also very helpful. The more specific the problem and diagnostic description is, the more likely a timely answer will be found.
Finally, posting photos of the problem area can be very helpful. Most cellphones take good enough photos to show the detail needed. While someone on the forum can usually help without photos, having them certainly speeds up the process.
TJ
When posting a request for help with a RV issue of any kind, some basic information is needed. At an absolute minimum, knowing the type, make, model and year of the RV is critical. Why is knowing the RV type needed? Just having a model number (e.g. SuperLite 2655) doesn't tell potential help sources whether they are dealing with a travel trailer, motorhome or something else. And, it does make a difference. Few, if any, potential helpers on RVF know all the RV model numbers out there and can identify the type by them. Knowing the specific type/make/model/year RV involved gets everyone on the same page.
Then, if the issue involves a component of the RV (furnace, air conditioner, water heater, stove, thermostat, etc.), providing the brand and model number is very helpful. That information can usually be found on a plate attached to the component, printed on a sticker inside the case or...sometimes...in the RV owners manual. If that information is not readily available, someone on RVF can frequently help anyway; based on the specific RV information noted above.
A good description of the problem is certainly helpful too. Knowing the details of what is or isn't happening with the problem item is key to getting a good, solid and timely answer. And, detailing what, if any, diagnostic steps have been taken and/or repairs have been attempted is also very helpful. The more specific the problem and diagnostic description is, the more likely a timely answer will be found.
Finally, posting photos of the problem area can be very helpful. Most cellphones take good enough photos to show the detail needed. While someone on the forum can usually help without photos, having them certainly speeds up the process.
TJ
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