We all know we need to maintain our RVs to keep everything running smoothly and prevent a vacation-ending event from happening. For most of us, it’s easy to become overwhelmed when it comes to everything that needs to be done to keep all these moving parts shipshape. When NRVTA’s Todd Henson took the stage at the E3 Association National Conference all attention was on him to set the record straight on what we need to do and how to do it right.
1. Wheel Bearings
Wheel bearings cannot be overlooked. Once a year or every 12,000 miles the bearings must be re-packed with new grease. The big takeaway from Todd on this topic was not to rely on Zerk fittings, like Dexter EZ Lube, to repack your bearings. The Zerk fitting and grease gun were designed to be used along the road, not for yearly repacking.
2. Tire Pressure and Temperature
Tire Pressure Monitoring System often referred to as TPMS is great, but it does not replace the need to be checking the temperature of your wheel hubs every time you stop for fuel or at a rest stop. Using an infrared heat gun, check your wheels to confirm they are within 25 degrees of each other. Todd assures us a range of 100-150 degrees is good, but anything above 200 degrees is an indicator something is going on. If that happens then it’s time to add a little grease using that Zerk fitting and grease gun until you can get your RV properly serviced nearby.
3. Breaks
Whether its shoes or linings your travel trailer absolutely has breaks! And they must be replaced once a year. Todd recommends replacing your breaks at the same time you repack your bearings. This is an essential step for safety on the road.
4. Slides
Slide maintenance is easy to forget about until something goes wrong. Both Through Frame and In-wall Slide-outs do require yearly cleaning or maintenance. According to Todd it’s not hard to do and will keep your slides working their best. Knowing which lubricants are appropriate for your slide type is the best way to ensure it’s done correctly. And don’t forget to keep your slide vinyl always well lubricated.
5. Air Conditioning
Next up is the air conditioner and as Todd says, “this is the most abused item on all of our rigs. It’s up on the roof and no one wants to get up on the roof.” If you’re doing a lot of cooking in your rig, then you’re mucking up those air conditioner coils, and that prevents proper airflow. Air conditioner maintenance is absolutely necessary twice a year according to Todd.
6. Roof
While on the topic of the roof we see the picture of a pencil tip-sized hole on an RV roof and Todd assures us a hole this size can do major water damage. Because the rubber on an RV roof does degrade over time he is resolute about getting up on your roof twice a year for inspection. Looking it over is the only way to find the problem before it does the damage. If you come upon a problem, you’re going to need to use either roof sealant or Eterna Bond Tape, if the hole is larger. However, he warns that silicone will not stick to your roof, don’t even bother.
Todd wraps up by detailing the number one issue that comes up on an RV is suspension. Second is electrical problems. These things can leave you stranded on the side of the road or keep your rig tied up at the dealership service department for months on end.
If you’d like to learn more about how to service and take care of your own rig then I highly suggest inquiring into the many programs that NRVTA offers. Over 30% of their students are RV owners like us just looking to know more about their rigs and remove their dependence on those dealership service departments.
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