Expert Answers about Winter Weather Supplies

• How Does the Rack'em Double Barrel Trailer Tailgate Assist Perform In Winter
• I spoke with my contact at Rack'em about the Double Barrel Trailer Tailgate Assist # RA-27C. She said that they have found that the winter does not effect the Double Barrel's perfomrnace, and they have not had customer complaints about any issues with performance in winter weather. All but the end of the component where the chain comes out to connect to the tailgate are protected in the housing.
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• Winterizing the Excel RV Tankless On-Demand Water Heater
• Being that the Excel RV Tankless On-Demand Water Heater, # EX93FR is tankless, the need to drain that component is non-existent. However, there may still be water in the lines and valves that needs to be addressed. I suggest that you remove power to the water heater, close off the water supply inlet and disconnect the outlet water line allowing any water that may remain inside the system to drain. Use compressed air to blow out any remaining water from the lines.
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• Concerns About Using Air Bag Suspension in Cold Weather
• According to Firestone And Air Lift, there aren't any special procedures needed during cold weather regarding the care and use of their air suspension and compressor products. It'd be a good idea to spray off the air bags as soon as warmer weather allows, but other than that no special care is needed for cold weather. You might find that you need a few more pounds of pressure is necessary to maintain the same level of support when the weather is cold, but other than that you'll have no issue.
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• Firestone Coil-Rite Air Helper Springs Use in Cold Weather
• I confirmed with our Firestone representative that the # F4182 Coil-Rite kit could be used in temperatures as low as -40º F, so you'd be fine and wouldn't need to remove the system in the winter. I've linked to a product demonstration video featuring the Coil-Rite kit.
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• How Would The Pittman Outdoors Rear Seat Air Mattress Preform In Cold Weather?
• The Pittman Outdoors Rear Seat Air Mattress w Portable 12V Pump # 341029 is not going to stand up to winter weather any better than a standard air mattress, however with this being a rear seat mattress for your vehicle you do have the ability to shield it from the outside temperatures/weather which may preform better than mattresses that are left outside. You could further keep this mattress inflated during colder temperatures by putting an isolating mattress topper on the mattress and...
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• Can Valterra P23507VP Hand Pump Be Used to Pump Air Into RV Water System
• As long as it hasn't previously been used with antifreeze to winterize anything, Valterra tells me it's acceptable to use their # P23507VP hand pump for the purpose you describe. I've linked to a demonstration video for the pump.
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• Performance of Inno INH120 Tire Hold Bike Rack in Winter Weather
• We have not heard of any corrosion issues with the Inno # INH120 Tire Hold Bike Rack. Given its aluminum construction, corrosion really shouldn't be a problem. Inno tells me that they will warranty corrosion that's due to normal usage. If the rack has been submerged in seawater for a month, no. Under normal usage, yes. I've linked you to a product description video that shows the features of the bike rack. Unless you'll be using the rack every day, it's a good idea to remove the rack from...
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• CIPA Towing Mirror Durability
• We've had the same pair of CIPA Universal Dual Lens Towing Mirrors # 11953-2 for as long as I've been at etrailer and they have held up great! The rubber straps are extremely durable and with the hardened plastic construction, the cold weather and salt won't affect the mirrors. They are not heated, but you can treat them with an anti-freeze solution to prevent ice build up.
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• Should Camper Trailer be Covered in the Winter
• It is absolutely recommended to cover your trailer in the winter, be it in Wisconsin where you are with harsh weather or even in an area without much moisture and a lot of sun. What happens if a trailer is left uncovered is that any moisture that accumulates on top of it can seep in, dirt and dust blowing from bigger winds can damage the finish, and UV rays can damage the seals. Overall, it's a smart idea to keep your trailer covered to avoid larger potential issues. If your Aliner is...
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• Will Adco AquaShed Cover for 14 - 16 Foot Pop-Up Camper Hold Up to Bad Weather
• For your 14 to 16 foot pop-up camper, I highly recommend the Adco SFS AquaShed RV Cover for Pop-Up Camper # 290-12294. A lot of covers can be tricky, especially if they don't fit correctly, but the Adco will hold up wonderfully to the bad weather and wind you see. It is a much better fit than other covers because it combines cinch ropes and weighted straps to secure the cover to your camper. The Adco also has corners which are elastic so they stretch a bit but are reinforced to resist...
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• Should The Custom Third Brake Light Camera 3460001 Work In Colder Temperatures?
• The way the Custom Third Brake Light Camera # 3460001 is designed, you should not be having any problems at below freezing temps. I cannot say I have ever heard this complaint in regards to any of the RV/Truck cameras that we sell here. My father-in-law has a similar camera on his Chevy truck. Last winter we has a cold spell with several days around or below zero, and the camera worked without issue. It makes me think that somehow moisture has gotten inside the camera, and when temps get...
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• Will K-Source Towing Mirrors Install Easily In Cold Weather On 2014 GMC Sierra 1500
• We haven't received any negative feedback from customers that have purchased the K-Source Custom Towing Mirrors, part # KS80910 about the fit or problems with the mirrors in colder weather. If your concern is with the clips that hold the K-Source mirrors in place, I would recommend the Longview Custom Towing Mirrors, part # LVT-1800. These slip over your 2014 GMC Sierra 1500 mirrors and are held in place with the included arm that hooks to the inside edge of your mirrors. A hand knob...
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• Metal Used in Terminals of Spectro Wire and Cable # 38656 Junction Box
• According to Spectro Wire, the terminals and hardware of their # 38656 junction box are chrome plated steel. The junction box actually does a pretty good job of keeping the weather out, and taking a couple of precautions like placing a dab of # 38656 dielectric grease on each terminal and using some silicone caulk around the wires entering the box would further help to exclude water. If you click the provided links, you can see an install and a product description video.
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• Trailer Hitch Receiver Rusted on 2017 Toyota Highlander
• The rust on your hitch definitely seems extreme for the three year time period you've had it on your 2017 Toyota Highlander. That said, rusting is a direct reaction to oxidation and even without using it in winter weather it can still happen. This can occur starting with small scratches on the protective coating from natural road debris and then it being in moisture of some kind. All hitches can start to rust at some point, and the best way to prevent it would be to check every once in...
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• Can Handle on Flow Max RV Kitchen Faucet be Removed
• I reached out to the manufacturer, Lippert, who told me that the handle on your Flow Max RV Kitchen Faucet # LC719323 cannot be removed and then reinstalled. They said from your description it sounds like there is "some form of leaking/defect going with the water lines within the faucet" and it is recommended that you replace your faucet with a new one to remedy the issue.
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• Cold Weather Performance of Cargo Bags
• Carpod was not able to provide me with any details about how the bag would perform in sub-zero temperatures. The polyester material of the bag seems a bit thin to me, leaving me doubtful about its super-cold weather performance. I like the Extra Large Cargo Bag, part # 988501. The bag has a large 18 cubic foot capacity and is constructed of a thick PVC coated ripstop nylon for maximum durability. The material is waterproof, but we cannot accurately describe the bag as waterproof because...
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• Where Are the Grommets on WeatherTech Floor Mat # WTW71GR That Fit a 2006 Mazda 6 Four Door
• In the picture attached is the factory drawing of the mats with the location of the grommet noted. The photos currently being used are typical catalog photos supplied by the manufacturer because we have not had a chance to take photos of these floor mats yet. These mats # WTW71GR are designed to match the floor hook on you 2006 Mazda 6. The picture just shows you the color, not the shape.
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• Vehicle Cover to Provide Great UV Protection for 2006 Acura TL
• The Covercraft Ultra'tect Custom Fit Outdoor Vehicle Cover # C16482UL that you referenced is designed to provide protection for your vehicle from the UV rays. This cover is constructed from WeatherMax SL fabric that is highly water and UV resistant. While providing good UV protection, this cover will also offer protection in the winter months from snow as well as protecting your TL from dust. Covercraft confirms that this cover is ideal for use in areas subject to prolonged sun exposure....
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• How Much Voltage Drop Is There With the Mighty Cord 50 RV Power Cord Extension A10-5050EH
• The Mighty Cord 50' RV Power Cord Extension part # A10-5050EH will likely reduce the voltage around 1.98 volts which is around 1.65%. The total voltage drop with a 100' extension like what you would have should be around 3.95 volts which is around 3.29%. Please note that these results are based on normal conditions and can vary depending on the condition of wires, type of conduit, temperature etc... I cannot recommend you lay the power cord in a puddle of water for obvious reasons but...
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• What Is The Max Temperature That The Excel RV Tankless Water Heater Can Produce
• The top of the Excel RV Tankless Water Heater # EX93FR is open so mounting it outside would allow inclement weather to tear up the internal components of the water heater. I recommend mounting it on an interior wall with plenty of airflow to get the best performance out of it. As for the max temperature, this unit will raise the temperature of the water approximately 35-45 degrees. That means that if the water coming into the unit was 50 degrees then the outgoing water would be approximately...
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