A Very Common But Forgotten RV Maintenance

My friends at Integrity RV received a very nice 2015 Tiffin Phaeton but were a bit concerned about the bathroom door opening. It was way too wide and were sure the walls were moving and needed an expensive repair. They asked if I could fix it or if there was a big issue with it. I have seen this many many times and its pretty common due to the wood in the door shrinking and the wood in the walls and the wood in the trim....and likely the gap was a bit too wide from the factory. But this gave me a good opportunity to show that the solid wood construction in higher end RVs needs attention and maintenance too. Hopefully I do a good enough job to convince you to live in your RV more or at least be aware of the moisture inside your RV a bit more.
Thanks for watching!
Also thanks to Richard and the crew at Cassone's RV for allowing me access to their shop!!
3032 E Main St
Mesa, AZ 85213
480 357-5200
cassonesrv.com
The Phaeton will be for sale at:
Integrity RV
2323 E Main St
Mesa, AZ 85213
[phone]
integrityrvaz.com

[@denisbeaulieu3004]

Besides James’ wealth of knowledge and humble and informative information, does anyone else appreciate his artistry in shooting his videos? I mean ripping a sheet of Luan one handed while recording!!?? That’s some stunt work right there!! Much respect from Kitchener, Ontario Canada.

[@AZExpert]

LOL Thanks Denis! I appreciate it

[@ggsdrummer]

Incredibly talented very informative enjoy watching his repairing an inspector!! Keep it going James I love it!! Beautiful😎👍🏻

[@lynnemarieallan5013]

Your Beaver RV and its woodwork is absolutely gorgeous. Thank you for your info. You are truly an RVers friend ,

[@DLTJR1959]

As a degreed furniture engineer you allow the panel to float inside the rails and stiles by just pinning the panel. No glue on the panels, just on the stiles and rails. The panels must be prefinished on the tongue that inserts into the groove of the stiles and rails. Once movement occurs the prefinished panel tongue will not be noticed since it was prefinished before assembly into the door. Lumber should be kiln dried to 6%-7% MC before assembly. That will give you a good range with EMC's in the US. Still have shrink and swell though. Just have to manage it. Thanks for the videos. I appreciate them.

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for the info! and thanks for watching

[@buckjones6334]

I really appreciate witnessing two experts exchanging valuable information! Thank you both!!

[@JimmyShawsTidbits1]

My wife was just telling me about her sister's house in Yuma that the swamp cooler A/C runs all year long. My wife didn't understand why. Luckily I saw this video and I was able to show it to her because you explain it better than I could. LOL!!! Great video my friend.

[@AZExpert]

LOL Thanks for watching!

[@johnf2568]

James you can make basic repairs very interesting to watch, thanks!

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for watching! :)

[@badgerpa9]

You are a very skilled tech, you have taught your viewers so much. Thank you Sir. Stay safe and healthy.

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for watching! :)

[@joegeorgia8989]

Your problem solving and skill fixing things is always impressive! Thanks for posting.

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for watching! :)

[@daltonprince3287]

Thank you for the time that you take posting videos to help us out with our repairs on our RVs

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for watching! :)

[@LayloNewt]

We enjoyed the video. Plus another learning experience that most people including me never thought about wood shrinkage. Thanks

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for watching! :)

[@jackbrown9182]

Awesome! ALWAYS LEARNING something new from you! Thank you sir! from...Galveston texas

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for watching! :)

[@tyflesh]

Good to know information as always! Appreciate taking us with you on day to day repairs 👍

[@AZExpert]

You're welcome!

[@markdemedeiros3239]

Always learn something from each and every video....you would be really proud of me....I actually serviced my two a/c units on my 2011 Tiffen Allegro Red.....It was actually enjoyable and one unit had not been serviced for years if ever while the other must have been replaced not two long ago. Made me proud to be able to do it on my own....with your advice and knowledge to guide me. Your videos are invaluable to any RV owner. That being said my roof now needs a wash really bad. 😞😞😞

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for watching! :)

[@WaitWhat-jy9ck]

Thanks for the info because I've had the same issue on my Tiffin and wasn't sure of the best fix. You nailed it, literally and figuratively.

[@AZExpert]

Awesome! Glad to help

[@CozyLivingMachine]

I legitimately had no idea this was a thing. You might think this is basic, but it's absolutely helpful! Thanks for the video!

[@AZExpert]

Glad it was helpful!

[@bobellis1022]

Great instructional video James! Love the channel and all of the wisdom you impart to us lesser knowledgeable people!

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for watching! :)

[@tree_monkey3120xp]

Thanks for sharing definitely learned something! Hope you have a wonderful rest of your weekend!

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for watching! :)

[@sissinoklahoma2057]

This was an Amazing video! So much vital information AND Practical tips! Thank you!

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for watching! :)

[@buckjones6334]

This is the type of video that I need! I knew the wood shrinks over time, but this was a good reminder! Also, your correction may be common to you but it was genius to me! Thank you so much!

[@AZExpert]

Thanks Buck! Hope it works for you

[@gereshomeE]

AMAZING workmanship! ☺

[@gregmoore3420]

Wow, Always learning from you. You are the Grand Master.

[@AZExpert]

LOL Thanks

[@kencraig7308]

This shrinkage problem you speak of I've never heard of on RVs, but I do know of a guy that goes by the the name of George Costanza who experienced such a issue after being in the pool 🥶

[@AZExpert]

HAHAHAHAH!!

[@ernieb3626]

another great video. You do make the most basic repairs interesting to watch.

[@AZExpert]

That's very Kind!

[@reginaldballard4038]

nice repair. Never would have known to do it that way if I hadn't seen your video. thanks!

[@AZExpert]

You're welcome!

[@daltonprince3287]

Thank you for the time you take making post to help us out.

[@AZExpert]

You're welcome!

[@philw7174]

Wow, that is some serious shrinking. Interesting video James, thank you for the schooling. Happy trails!

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for watching! :)

[@jamesdrew7315]

Great video James, good information to have thanks very much!!!

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for watching! :)

[@bobmariano3731]

Nice repair James , very clean 👍⚾️

[@TomSpurlock]

Good one! I never heard about the bucket of water trick. Interesting storage trick, especially in AZ.

[@AZExpert]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@RebeccaRaven]

Good job! Always love these videos...

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for watching! :)

[@deanholicz5444]

James, Thank you for all the informative How to videos you've made focused on RV's. You're an awesome teacher. Great video work.

[@AZExpert]

Thanks Dean!

[@AZExpert]

Thanks Dean!

[@loydalexander154]

Yea James I've heard when you get older your wood does shrink up a bit. Lol love the videos keep going thanks

[@darkcontrast8470]

I just have to say I appreciate the Prius so much. I've been doing this in the trunk of a 2008 Corolla for 2 years, and not to say it doesn't have its challenges but it sure does save on gas

[@robertgarrett5009]

This shows how the interior partitions are made, very insightful.

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for watching! :)

[@MarkHey]

That was most interesting to watch. My Holiday Rambler was spending its first 14 years in the dry climate of Arizona were we found it and brought it over to good old and much more humid Germany. And since its one 2003 HR Imperial, the types and modelyears that you recommended in previous videos, it has no cracks or loose wood connections. Thank god! Right now i sit at my desk, looking outside the window and see my RV in the driveway. I have a remote sensor temp/humidity gauge right in here that shows 59% outside (Fresh air) and 56% in the closed rv. And dry 30% in my heated house. I guess for my own skin ..and my plants .. the air in the rv would be much better. Greets from Germany and keep up with your good work!

[@AZExpert]

Thanks!

[@BeerHunter1953]

Makes me wish I lived in Mesa. Very talented technician. Would definitely trust you with any RV repair.

[@2AZSUN]

James, doing this every day for you seems basic and pretty simple, but when you aren't doing what you do everyday, it's all stuff we don't tend to think about. Key take away on this one for me...I need a bucket! Thank you for that. Completely worth my 12 minutes.

[@AZExpert]

Hey glad to help!

[@gary.joseph]

The blooper reel at the end of this video is awesome! Thanks for the info and the laughter! :D

[@AZExpert]

Thanks Gary!

[@jebutah9705]

Again an outstanding video with a brilliant idea.

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for watching! :)

[@marychristie6194]

I found this interesting and I didn’t know about the wood maintenance-thank you -not boring 😀👍🚌🇺🇸

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for watching! :)

[@Joe-rv3ei]

Very informative video James! That explains the gap in the middle of the long piece of wood molding that runs the length of living area slide out. I thought it was very poor craftsmanship, but no doubt shrinkage.

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for watching! :)

[@ernieb3626]

lololol thanks for the outtakes at the end James. lolol

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for watching!! :)

[@DavidHBurkart]

Thanks for the insights James

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for watching! :)

[@DesertAdventuresinArizona]

Good information…Now I know how to approach this problem in my RV.

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for watching! :)

[@mikemoxley9477]

Great information to have for possible same issue. Thanks

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for watching! :)

[@thewiseguy3529]

I love watching your videos! Great stuff

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for watching! :)

[@thewiseguy3529]

@@AZExpert yep you bet! Thanks for taking us along! ',:D

[@ph8632]

Great video........ Thanks for posting!

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for watching! :)

[@johncoyne7004]

Common knowledge is very uncommon. Thanks so much

[@AZExpert]

Glad it was helpful!

[@pault1964]

As always nicely done

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for watching! :)

[@richardmathews5457]

I believe your Beaver was made in Bend Oregon in the central part of the state. I have a 40 ft Beaver Marquis with the cat c12 @ 505 hp. I’ve been told they moved operations to Eugene after 2002. The power to weight ratio in these rigs is astounding. 26000 lbs with 1650 lbs of torque.

[@AZExpert]

They are truly amazing!

[@Jason-vw7iq]

Another awesome video 💪

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for watching! :)

[@stevest.martin3940]

My Tiffin had that exact problem with the bathroom door. I had to put pillows in front of the bathroom door when we traveled before I had it fixed to stop,it opening while driving. My Tiffin has the 7 k generator option that’s one of the reasons I bought a Tiffin.

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for watching! :)

[@KRT045]

Nice job James!

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for watching! :)

[@heatherr.7606]

Love these videos!

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for watching! :)

[@coreymerritt7742]

Nice job James

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for watching! :)

[@Wheres_Bobby]

Very helpful information.

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for watching! :)

[@deltabravo1257]

Excellent video. Shrinkage of wood was something I never considered.

[@AZExpert]

Especially in the desert

[@Brian-os9qj]

Nicely repaired

[@AZExpert]

Thanks

[@xxlxpman]

Nice tip, Thanks!!

[@marknielsen5352]

Appreciate the videos you do! Pick tip almost everyone Thank You

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for watching! :)

[@rjahn3000]

Excellent, my 2019 RED has the same door and issue. Thanks!!

[@AZExpert]

Glad it helped

[@zombienectar]

shims are a nice reversible choice in case of rehydration. Another informative video !

[@KRT045]

I agree, a lot of comments here about if they travel to a more humid area. My guess is it Would probably take a considerable amount of time to swell that much but if it did, easy solution to fix.

[@AZExpert]

Yes they are! Thanks for watching! :)

[@dannysampson398]

Great Video!!!

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for watching! :)

[@rickgriffith1]

Great video! Thank you.👍🏼😎

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for watching!

[@forestruth5731]

Great information

[@AZExpert]

Glad it was helpful!

[@icsamerica]

Well done!

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for watching! :)

[@sailorjohnboy2325]

I've got the opposite problem, high humidity. I've got a 35 qt dehumidifier that's plugged in 24/7 year round.

[@AZExpert]

How fast does it fill up

[@sailorjohnboy2325]

@@AZExpert sorry been busy. During rainy season, every couple of days.

[@MrTubeman123456]

Dont talk yourself down you're a really talented guy you doing viewers a great service the Bob villa of movie homes.

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for watching! :)

[@carmencolon3520]

Never thought about the care of real wood in the rv. Thanks for the reminder. Love high end rvs; just need them under 30".

[@AZExpert]

They make them smaller, Just not Class A.

[@carmencolon3520]

@@AZExpert what class and how I reach them? Manufacturer or year. Still learning to classified them. Oh by the way KZbin vintage rv restoration is Flyte Camp. Just something to enjoy and appreciate old rvs restoration. 😍

[@jeffsteele1295]

Hello James being around 60 miles from Red Bay, Alabama. I can tell you during the summer months it gets hot and very humid . Most if not all the doors in my house has the same problem they shut good in summer, and not good at all in the winter months. But this happens in most different parts of the world as well. Then I have a wood heater in the winter months I will have to put a big pot of water on top of the stove to add moisture back into the house lol go figure.

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for watching!

[@benjaminjordan2762]

I live in Louisiana and can speak to the humidity in the south and like you said we have to dry out our rvs.

[@AZExpert]

I don't think I could handle it in the summer

[@rickbottoms7838]

I live in Washington. Wood shrinking is not a problem. I have never even considered having to shim a opening like you showed. My mind immediately went to “when that wood swells back up that door is going to stick like crazy!”😮

[@AZExpert]

It will be fine

[@bej5534]

Love your videos my brother

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for watching! :)

[@bengorrell2658]

Dry in Arizona? Like a popcorn fart. Thank you James 😊

[@AZExpert]

I have never heard that saying but I'm going to use it every day now

[@TONYANDBRENDA1969]

Interesting. Thanks for sharing

[@AZExpert]

You're welcome Tony

[@FreedomIsntFree2023]

Living in Southern Nevada, the swamp cooler on the RV garage keeps plenty of moisture in the air for the RV now....what a difference. Used the bucket brigade (3 buckets) for years, but really feel it did nothing as shrinkage was still an issue. That was on a Bounder at the time.

[@AZExpert]

Yes this would be for people who do not have an RV garage

[@Shadow_Banned_Conservative]

Great channel you have here, discovered it while researching RVs and inspections before purchase. Out of curiosity though for this type of repair, do you hear back from people you shim their doors that when they went back to a humid climate that the wood swells again and now they can't open their doors, cabinets, etc? BTW, I live on the east coast but spend the first 19 years of my life in Apache Junction before leaving for the Army in 1990, only been back a handful of times since. I just can't take those summers anymore. In fact, I like being cold all the time now and retirement will likely take me to the New England area, New Hampshire, Vermont, or Maine is where I'm thinking I'll wind up in the next ten years.

[@97minitaco]

Yes, I'm from Alabama and you can wear the air here. :) My camper tends to go through these cycles as well.

[@AZExpert]

I imagine you have issues when you go to a dry climate

[@dewaynemiguel3349]

It's funny you mention the bucket for humidity driving truck I used a jar of water on the dash at night in az so the air wouldnt dry out did it for years so it works.

[@AZExpert]

Hahaha it does work!

[@JR-playlists]

I always enjoy unintended wood movement.....

[@AZExpert]

Giggity

[@tomedgar4375]

Great info. 👍

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for watching! :)

[@fmerkl]

Nice pointer!

[@AZExpert]

Thanks Frank!

[@Thesaltymedic36]

I had the large tub of damp rid in my camper and the small ones in the storage spots. Maryland humidity is no joke 😂

[@AZExpert]

You speak the truth

[@JohnFourtyTwo]

I've had to re-shim some closet doors in my condo because it's settled quite a bit shortly after being built about 12 years ago; or the contractors were so sloppy they just didn't care. I just put some thin pieces of file folder type cardboard directly under the middle and bottom hinges until I got enough lift to where the ball-spring latch at the top would catch again and work properly. It looks fine and unless you whip out the tape measure you won't notice the slight gap of about 1/8-inch at the bottom hinge.

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for watching! :)

[@DIYNauticalDream]

This is a very informative video. Thank you so much for sharing this information. Once we get home from our boat, I am going to look around the door trim on our RV. I would like to ask, can the reverse happen if the RV is traveling through a more humid area? Thanks so much for the great information. I learned something new today.

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for watching! :)

[@tp2315]

Like the quick edit when you let the bit walk out of the screw on the door frame of a customer coach. Oooops!

[@AZExpert]

thanks, I mean it's my rv so.....

[@duaneclark3539]

The wall moves in those tiffins I had an Allergo bus that did that I would have to knock the wall back periodically with my palm of my fist a few good blows and foot pressure and the door fit perfectly again.

[@AZExpert]

The good old meat hammer

[@askmslynnllc5363]

You can also use double stick tape to hold shims until you screw the trim in place.

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for the tip

[@johnfleming7729]

James, great job. How do you repair a cabinet door with an insert panel that has shrunk revealing light through the gap ?

[@rockwasher7840]

We are brothers from another mother, I’m better looking.lol Skills!! Would be fun to work with you! Great work.

[@roneddington7564]

Thanks James, I have a 2000 Foretravel U320 with solid Walnut cabinets. It also has Walnut wainscoting and doors. What products should I use on the Walnut to maintain it? Thanks again, Ron

[@DouglasJames27]

I once outfitted my entire garage with 20 some odd new cabinets from an employee of a cabinet manufacturer. Any rejects he would take home and store in two different storage areas and resell them. They were various stained combinations but I ended up painting them all machinery grey. The point is, when we visited his storage the first thing he did was refill several buckets and bowls of water spread throughout the area for this same exact reason...shrinkage, and I live in So. Cal.

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for watching! :)

[@13yearsaprepperr.jtilbury.51]

Great info , Im in Australia and have 3 or 4 mm gap in most doors and fittings , I did the same to the bathroom door as a bonus it stopped rattling driving down the road Rob NSW Australia

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for watching! :)

[@13yearsaprepperr.jtilbury.51]

@@AZExpert every vid buddy , I never miss one rob

[@stevenkruse5746]

Thanks

[@winginitwithjohn8451]

Paint stir sticks make great shims for a hidden position.

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for the tip

[@mrjob-oz4ex]

No it's was a great video and I hope one day it might help me

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for watching! :)

[@idessaoutlaw]

Good wood butchering job.🥃😎👌

[@AZExpert]

If I have to use both hands=no more videos

[@idessaoutlaw]

@@AZExpert James, Keep up the good work. I wish I was close enough to bring you my RV for repairs. 😎👍

[@timaz1066]

I'm so glad the wood in my 2000 Dynasty has not shrunk. Thanks of the video. You would like having to remove the piano hinge on my bathroom door.

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for watching! :)

[@KevinCoop1]

James, I’m guessing that RV has been sitting in Az unused for a few months. I’ve done some woodworking since classes I had in college(not a professional. Built our home cabinets out of walnut, made some furniture, and turned some bowls. Here is my big concern. If this RV stays in Arizona, no issues. If it goes to a more humid area and stays there for a few months, that door may now jamb so tight, you will have to pull the hinge pins to get the door out. Wood expands and contracts with moisture content. The door and the cabinet faces will go to original size or larger. Great video. Best wishes, Kevin

[@AZExpert]

That is correct.

[@halporter8637]

Yep we can wear the air in Alabama it's so humid.

[@alkraus8818]

Great video! Any experience with the "quality" of Vanleigh 5th Wheels??? We just put a deposit on a 377FL and am worried about all that natural wood and keeping the RV dry in FL where it will be kept 7-9 months each year.