Check the Tire Pressure: Checking your tire pressure regularly is critical to staying safe on the road. Ask both your RV manufacturer and the tire manufacturer about the proper inflation for your tire size and the weight of your loaded RV. It could be 90 PSI in the front and 105 PSI in the back. You’ll want to weigh each tire separately, if possible, or at least each axel separately. Once you have the proper inflation, install a tire pressure monitor system. Lube the Slide: Once or twice a month, use silicone spray or lithium grease (consult your manufacturer to determine the best product) to keep your rubber slide wipers and rails in good condition.
Fill the Batteries: Your batteries are your RV’s lifeline. Check the fluid levels weekly when traveling in harsh environments. Don’t drain your batteries completely; it’s hard on the cells and repeated draining can cause premature damage. As a rule of thumb, don’t let your batteries fall below 12 volts. Also it’s important to understand battery safety, so ask your RV dealer or manufacturer for safety tips with handling the electric system on your RV.
Change the Batteries: Be proactive about changing the batteries in your CO2 monitor, fire alarm, and any other alarms inside your RV. A good rule of thumb is to change the batteries when you change your clocks for daylight savings time. It’s an easy task that can save your life in an emergency.
Clean up Your Water: Don’t forget to replace any water filters you have on board. Most carbon-based filters last between two and six months, depending on the brand and use. You might have to replace filters more often when visiting places where the water has a high iron content, like Wisconsin, or a high calcium content like the southwest states. We recommend investing in a portable water softener and a distiller to make your water taste better than bottled water no matter which state you’re visiting.
Wash Your RV: To maintain its exterior, it’s best to wash your RV often. This not only removes damaging engine grime, road grit, and acidic bird droppings, but it also allows you to really inspect every area of your coach.
Change the Engine Oil: Ask your coach manufacturer and your engine manufacturer for recommendations. Typically a gas engine needs an oil change every 3,000 to 5,000 miles; a diesel engine can go for 5,000 to 10,000 miles. Don’t forget to change the oil in your tow car, too.
Change the Generator Oil: Don’t forget about your gene! Ask the manufacturer how frequently to change its oil. Typically, however, the intervals are: after the first 50 hours, again after the second 100 hours, and then every 100 hours beyond that (or each year). You should also run your generator for a minimum of an hour per month to keep the fluids inside the small engine fresh and free of corrosion—plus it’s good to make sure the generator is working properly in case you need to rely on it for power.
Maintain the Air Brakes: It’s a good practice to drain the air from your tanks once per month to keep water from accumulating and rusting the tank. It’s as simple as using the air dump setting on your leveling controller then switching the settings back into travel mode.
RV Trailer Supply
1186 Broadway
El Cajon, CA 92021
619-442-9407
http://rvtrailersupply.com/