Tech Tips for Spring

SPRING TECH TIPS

SPRING AND SUMMER  CAMPING SEASON IS A WONDERFUL TIME OF YEAR

BATTERIES

Check batteries to be sure they are fully charged (12.8v) and fluid levels in batteries are full. Clen all terminals and any acid that may be on battery. Make sure that the polarity is hooked up correctly when reinstalling for the season

PROPANE

Check propane lines, hoses and tank for leaks,  When testing DO NOT USE A MATCH OR FLAME, use soapy water or better yet use "Leak Detector" in bottle.  Always wipe excess liquid off when you are done with a rag or paper towel. If RV is parked it would be wise to turn the propane tanks off, due to squirrels and rodents chewing through the rubber hoses.

AXLES ON TOWABLES

Check for wear and tear on shackle straps, springs, hangers, bolts and bushings.  It's a good test to jack up one side of the trailer have the trailer plugged into the vehicle, had spin the tires while someone activates the brake controller. Drop down and repeat on the other side.  Remember every 2 to 4 years bearings should be serviced.

TIRES

We recommend that you air up all tires before using. Tire pressure is stamped on the side wall of the tire.  All tires should be aired to this max pressure.  Be sure to check all your tires and valve stems for dry rot and cracking. Don't just look at the surface of the tire, look between the treads too.  

LUBING

It is recommended to spray a little lock key lube or WD40 in all keylocks to stop corrossion. You should also lube all compartment door locks and hinges along with your tongue jack.

RUBBER ROOF

Check roof for broken pastics (vents, skylights, ac shroud, etc). Also, check all seams and caulking.  Broken pastics should be replaced and caulking repaired.

When repairing caulking you need to scrape and clean the area before applying new caulk.  This is also the perfect time to wash your roof.

BLACK & GRAY TANKS

You should start getting your black and gray tanks cleaned for the season.  After you empty the black and/or gray tanks you should dump a couple of cups of cheap liquid laundry soap and a gallon of bleach in the tanks add about 5 gallons of hot water, let it sit, if you can drive it around it will work even better. Dump the tanks.  This should sanitize your tank(s) along with cleaning the sensors.

DETECTORS

Check and replace all detector batteries.  If your dector doesn't have batteries it is wise to check expiration date on back of the detector itself.

POWER CORDS

Clean connectors on all plugs, check for loose connections and/or broken wires and repair. Be sure to check that cord were not drug on the ground and worn thru or cord ends melted.  If any of these have occurred be sure to replace cord.

Due to execessive heat, the power provider is running low on voltage causing many air conditioner problems.  You should be manually monitoring you voltage by using a plug in voltage meter.

USING IN WINTER

Clean all appliances and burners.  Check for bees nest, bird nests and the dread mud daubers in appliance exhaust systems.

BOAT TRAILERS

It is recommended that all boat trailers do a grease and pack (a total axle service) before starting the season if you didn't do one before you stored it for the winter. Brake fluid should be flushed out on a yearly basis.