Welcome to another Two-Minute Tech Tip Tuesday, where we answer your RV repair and maintenance questions to keep you on the road with confidence!
Today, we're covering a few key topics: water heater air gaps, awning adjustments, and lithium battery performance. Let's dive in!
Should You Open the Pressure Relief Valve While Filling the Water Heater?
A common question from Desire Rogers:
"I've read that some suggest opening the pressure relief valve while filling the water heater. Is this incorrect since it eliminates the necessary air gap?"
Great question! When heating water, expansion occurs, which is why your RV water heater needs an air gap to prevent over-pressurization.
✅ The correct method: Open the pressure and temperature (P&T) relief valve while filling your water heater. This allows air to escape until water flows out. At that point, close the valve—this ensures you maintain an expansion pocket, reducing pressure and preventing air hammer in your system.
Awning Won’t Fully Extend – Is There an Adjustment?
A question from Dave Smith:
"My rear awning won’t extend all the way. Is there an adjustment?"
The answer is yes and no. If your awning isn’t fully deploying, a few things could be happening:
🔹 Motor Amperage Issue – The awning motor may be drawing too much power due to excessive tension.
🔹 Spring Tension Misalignment – Awning springs provide counterforce, but if improperly wound, they can prevent full extension.
🔹 Racked or Misaligned Frame – If the awning is slightly off-center, it can create too much resistance for the motor.
🚨 Warning: Adjusting awning springs is not a DIY task—it’s a finger-breaker! If you're experiencing this issue, we recommend having a qualified RV technician inspect it rather than attempting adjustments yourself.
Lithium Battery Selection for a 4,000-Watt Inverter
A question from Norma Reed:
"I'm installing two 300Ah lithium batteries and a 4,000W inverter. Should I go for larger 300Ah batteries or smaller lithium units with the same amp hours?"
🔋 Key Considerations:
✅ Energy Density – All quality lithium batteries (LiFePO4) have the same specific energy density. A smaller footprint battery with 300Ah will perform the same as a larger one if they have identical specs.
✅ Charge & Discharge Rate – Look at the battery management system (BMS). Some batteries can charge/discharge at 100A, while others can handle 300A or more—which is crucial for a 4,000W inverter.
✅ Performance & Cost – Instead of just looking at size, compare the charge/discharge specs. If you're running high-wattage appliances, you need a battery with a high discharge rate to avoid power bottlenecks.
📌 Pro Tip: Always check the data plate of the battery for charging and discharging limits before making your purchase.
Final Thoughts
We love hearing your RV tech questions—keep them coming! Understanding how your RV systems work gives you the confidence to troubleshoot issues and avoid unnecessary service calls.
💡 Want to learn how to repair and maintain your RV like a pro?
👉 Check out our RV Owners Repair & Maintenance Home Study Course at RVTechCourse.com to gain hands-on skills from expert instructors!
🚀 Stay tuned for next week’s Two-Minute Tech Tip Tuesday—subscribe so you never miss an update!