RV Maintenance Tips
Preventive maintenance is important to the life and enjoyment of your camper. Many problems can be stopped before they become a major issue. How much the camper is used and where it is used, (high heat, salt on the roads, etc) will affect the frequency of maintenance of your camper. Below is a partial list of maintenance suggestions
Frame/Chassis/Exterior
Inspect the frame and components, periodically, for signs of rust or nicks and scratches. Clean and wire brush if necessary, and touch up with rustproof enamel paint. Also inspect the welds on the trailer axles every so often for extra safety.
If your camper has been exposed to snow, road salt or chemicals, or salt water, take time to rinse off the frame and undercarriage as soon as possible after reaching your destination.
RV Steps
Keep clean of mud, dirt, salt, etc. and lubricate pivot points with a dry lubricant spray such as Protect All Slide-out Dry Lube, available Couch's RV and paint as needed.
RV Hitch Couplers-Travel Trailers
Inspect before each trip. The coupler shoud be cleaned and lubricated monthly with wheel bearing grease. Do not use if the coupler appears worn or damaged.
RV Pin Box and Hitch Equipment-Fifth Wheel Trailers
Inspect monthly or prior to each trip. Lubricate your hitch per manufacturer's instructions.
RV Safety Chains
Safety chains should be inspected before each trip and replaced if damaged. Never tow without using safety chains.
RV Tongue Jacks
Inspect your jack and test its operation. If the jack is difficult to operate, clean and oil lightly. If your jack needs to be replaced, we can help you choose the replacement. Perhaps and electric jack ould be a good option.
RV Siding
Black streaks are caused when pollution, rain, dirt and sealant deterioration mix. While it is nearly impossible to prevent them, installing 4" rain spout extensions can help. We stock several different types. When you do get black streaks, Couch's Campers recommends using Crown RV Clean made in Kentucky to clean your camper. After washing you camper, finish with a non abrasive wax.
RV Caulking
Many RV Factories are saying every three months you should check the seals around your windows, roof vents and corner moldings to avoid leaks. Couch's Campers carries a complete line of caulking and can advise you which type is appropriate to use. Don't forget to check the seams in your slide-out when doing your check-up.
RV Brake Adjustment
Adjust your electric brakes after the first 200 miles. Also, check every 3 months or 3,000 miles. Never adjust only one brake at one time.
RV Tires
Proper tire maintenance is an important safety function often neglected. The importance of properly maintaining your tires cannot be overemphasized. Remember, tires are the only contact between your RV and the road.
Under inflation is the leading cause of tire failure. A tire can be as much as 50% under inflated before it is visibly noticeable. Not only are under inflated tires more prone to damage and failure, but they can lead to higher fuel costs by as much as 3 to 5ยข per gallon.
Check your RV's Lug nuts before every every trip, and if a long trip is being taken check every so often as RV Tires are subjected to heavy side load as they are drug and twisted when making sharp turns.
