How to Upgrade an RV's Exhaust System
An RV's exhaust system can generate a lot of heat, noise and vibration in the RV's interior. It can also interfere with the engine's effectiveness if it's not functioning correctly. Usually, only a licensed RV repairman should upgrade your exhaust system, but if you have the tools and a good working knowledge of your RV, you can upgrade it yourself.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Challenging
Instructions
-
-
1
Raise your RV on a hydraulic lift big enough to accommodate it.
-
2
Identify the existing exhaust system and the parts within it you wish to upgrade. Like many other types of vehicles, an RV's exhaust system consists on an engine manifold, an oxygen sensor, a catalytic converter, a muffler and a tailpipe. You may not need to replace all of these to upgrade your RV's exhaust system, in which case your job will be easier.
-
3
Check the existing system against your intended upgrade and that the parts can fit in their allotted space. If not, you may need to alter any pipes and fittings to make sure the new equipment can be secured.
-
4
Remove any support hangers covering the RV's exhaust system. Some can be unbolted, depending on the model, but others will need to be removed with a welding torch.
-
5
Remove each piece of the exhaust system, starting with the tailpipe and working backward to the part or parts that you wish to upgrade. You will usually need to use a welding torch to do this, though some parts can be unbolted from the RV's body.
-
6
Look for any points along the exhaust system's path where you want to install additional heat shielding. The shielding prevents heat from leaking into the interior of the RV, which may be one of the reasons for the upgrade.
-
7
Connect the heat shielding to the pertinent location, either by bolting it into place or welding it. Leave enough room for the other parts of the exhaust system to fit and still provide ample carriage.
-
8
Replace any old parts of the system with new parts. This may be as simple as swapping out a muffler or tailpipe, or it may involved upgrading every part of the system, depending upon the extent of your repairs. Regardless, the new parts should be fitted into place and bolted or welded securely.
-
9
Reconnect the remaining parts of the exhaust system, starting with the replaced part and moving backwards to the tail pipe. With each part, make sure that the pipes, fittings or connectors to the previous part are firmly installed and sealed in place.
-
10
Examine the new system for any flaws or leaks and make sure it is fitted into the correct position. You may wish to turn the engine on and check for exhaust fumes, which may be coming from places they shouldn't.
-
11
Reinstall the support hangers and lower the RV to the ground.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
If you need to remove bolts or similar items connecting the exhaust system to the RV's chassis, use penetration oil, which decreases friction and helps the parts to detach more easily.
Always provide ample ventilation for any area where you are working on an exhaust system so that fumes from the running engine can escape safely.
