All Things RV & Solar FAQ

Answers before you book the job.

Straight answers about RV solar, lithium upgrades, flat towing, leveling systems, interior detailing, pricing, scheduling, and what we do at our Reno-area RV shop.

RV Solar & Lithium

Custom off-grid RV power systems, lithium batteries, inverters, solar panels, charging and monitoring.

Can you explain the process of getting a solar system or upgrade?

Yes. Start by booking online or texting/emailing us with your RV details. We’ll usually schedule a brief call to understand your goals, budget, travel style, battery needs and what you want to power off-grid.

From there, we design a custom system using trusted components. Once parts arrive, you drop off your RV at our Reno-area shop for installation. Before pickup, we walk you through how the system works.

Do you install lithium batteries with RV solar installs?

Absolutely. Lithium batteries are often the backbone of a serious off-grid RV solar system. We can help size the lithium bank, inverter, solar charge controller, DC-DC charging, shore charging, monitoring and related protection.

Can you install RV solar panels on any type of RV?

We work on many RV types, including Class A, B and C motorhomes, travel trailers, fifth wheels and truck campers. Every system is designed around the actual rig, roof space, battery capacity, power goals and travel style.

Tell me more about your partnership with Xponent Power solar awnings.

We work with Xponent Power / Xpanse solar awnings for RV owners who want a premium solar option beyond standard roof panels. A solar awning is not right for every rig, but it can be a serious option when roof space is limited or the owner wants more usable solar area.

We’ll discuss whether it makes sense during the system design conversation.

Can you install off-grid solar on a food truck?

Yes. Food truck solar systems are becoming more popular. We’ve helped outfit food trucks with solar, battery storage and inverter systems. Size and cost vary based on the truck and the loads you need to support.

Leveling Systems

Hydraulic and electric RV leveling system installation, troubleshooting and upgrade planning.

Can I install an RV leveling system myself?

Leveling system installation can involve hydraulics, wiring, chassis work, calibration and frame considerations. For safety and reliability, it’s usually best handled professionally.

What are the benefits of installing a leveling system?

Leveling systems make campsite setup faster, more stable and more comfortable. They reduce rocking, help appliances like refrigerators operate properly, and save time compared with manual leveling blocks.

Do I need hydraulic or electric leveling for my RV?

It depends on your RV type, budget, frame, weight and how often you travel.

  • Hydraulic systems are often faster and stronger for larger motorhomes.
  • Electric systems can be a good fit for many trailers, fifth wheels and compatible smaller RVs.
Can you retrofit a leveling system onto an older RV?

Often, yes. Many RVs without factory-installed levelers can be upgraded, but fitment matters. We need to review the RV frame, weight, underbody layout and the type of system that makes sense.

What brands of RV leveling systems do you work with?

We can discuss several leveling system options depending on the RV and job, including hydraulic and electric systems. We commonly talk through brands such as Lippert, HWH, Bigfoot and other quality leveling equipment based on fitment.

Flat-Tow Hardware

Toad setups, base plates, tow bars, wiring, braking systems and vehicle fitment.

What equipment do I need for flat towing my vehicle?

A complete flat tow setup usually includes a base plate, tow bar, braking system, safety cables, breakaway system and lighting/wiring integration. We are Roadmaster dealers and can help select the correct hardware for your vehicle.

What vehicles can be flat towed behind an RV?

Not all vehicles can be flat towed four wheels down. Popular options include Jeep Wranglers, Ford Broncos and some trucks and SUVs. We’ve also seen vehicles like Scion xA/xB, Honda Fit and Toyota FJ Cruiser used in certain cases.

We need the exact year, make, model and trim to verify the correct path.

Do I need a braking system for flat towing?

Yes. Most serious flat-tow setups include supplemental braking. It improves safety, reduces stress on the RV brakes and may be required depending on where you travel. For insurance and safety reasons, we require a braking system when we perform a flat-tow install.

How long does a flat-tow install take?

Many flat tow installs take one to two days depending on the vehicle, parts, wiring complexity and our schedule. Some jobs are simpler; others require more time.

Interior RV Detailing

Interior cleaning, post-trip reset work, Burning Man dust, pet hair, odors and mobile options.

How does interior RV detailing work?

We clean RV interiors based on the size and condition of the rig. It’s ideal after camping trips, long road trips, storage, pets, heavy use or post-Burning Man cleanup. Send photos if the RV needs a serious deep clean.

How much does RV detailing cost?

Interior RV detailing pricing depends on RV length and condition. Most jobs generally land between $35 and $50 per foot, depending on severity, dust, pet hair, stains, odors and overall cleaning needed.

How long does interior RV detailing take?

Interior RV detailing can take the better part of a day. Depending on the severity of the cleaning needed and how booked we are, we may need the RV for more than one day.

Do you offer mobile interior RV detailing?

We may offer detailing at your location or ours depending on the job and schedule. Mobile service may require an extra fee. Text us your RV length, location and photos to start.

Pricing, Scheduling & Financing

Rates, payment plans, appointment timing and how to get on the schedule.

Do you offer payment plans or financing?

Yes. Financing options may be available through Affirm, Klarna and Afterpay. These can be useful for larger solar, lithium, flat-tow, suspension and RV upgrade projects.

  • Affirm: financing may be available up to $30,000.
  • Klarna: larger financing options may be available depending on approval.
  • Afterpay: useful for smaller purchases split into payments.
How fast can I get service?

We are a small, quality-focused shop. Wait times vary by season and project complexity. Book early for solar, flat-tow and major installs.

What are your rates or prices?

Our labor rate has commonly been $175/hr, and pricing depends heavily on the job, RV type, parts and scope. For larger installs, we are often thousands less than some local shops while still focusing on quality work.

What if I can’t find the date I want on the booking calendar?

Text 775-249-9943 or email [email protected] with your RV info and we’ll follow up as soon as we can. Include the year, make, model, service needed and photos if helpful.

General Shop Questions

What we work on, service area, inspections, winterizing and related RV services.

What kinds of RVs do you work on?

We work on many RV types including Class A, B and C motorhomes, fifth wheels, trailers, pop-ups, truck campers and custom rigs at our Reno-area shop.

What areas do you serve?

We are based in Reno and serve Reno, Sparks, Tahoe, Truckee, Carson City, Fernley, Fallon and surrounding areas. We’ve also helped customers from Oregon, Southern California and Arizona.

Do you offer winterizing services?

Yes. We winterize many RV types, and it is one of the seasonal services RV owners commonly ask about.

Can I get a pre-sale or pre-purchase RV inspection?

Yes. Pre-purchase inspections can help you understand major RV systems before you commit. Pricing depends on scope, but basic inspections have started around $250.

Do you work on engines or transmissions?

No drivetrain work. We do not do engine or transmission repair. We may perform lighter chassis-related services such as oil changes, battery swaps and basic maintenance depending on the vehicle and schedule.

Do you build custom water filtration systems?

Yes. We can build RV water filtration systems designed to reduce sediment, chlorine, odors and other common water issues so your RV has cleaner, better-tasting water.

Still have questions?

Text us your RV year, make, model, photos, and what you want done. The more detail you send, the faster we can point you in the right direction.

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