There’s something magical about a summer road trip. And it’s a standby in literature and movies—from John Steinbeck’s classic Travels with Charley to Smokey and the Bandit.
Times have certainly changed since Steinbeck and his dog Charley made their way across the country 54 years ago. But one thing hasn’t changed: A summer road trip is still the best way to see America, see its natural wonders, national parks, historic sites, and big-name tourist attractions.
Hitting the open road can be the highlight of any spring or summer camping expedition but don’t let preventable maintenance issues put a damper on your vacation.
Preventive Maintenance
Preventive maintenance is designed to prevent or identify potential problems that could lead to mechanical breakdown, malfunction, or failure of a component or system. Don’t confuse this with regularly scheduled maintenance (SEE below).
Inspect all the roof and window seals of your RV and reseal any that are showing signs of damage or aging.
Check awnings for damage, mildew, and insects.
Examine the hitch system for wear, loose bolts, and cracks.
Check for cracks in hoses and fan belts and replace if necessary.
Check all lights. Make sure headlights, fog lights, taillights, brake lights, and turn signals are all functioning properly.
Preventive maintenance applies to the RV interior as well as the exterior. Stains become more difficult to remove when vinyl or leather is allowed to become dry.
Scheduled Maintenance
Scheduled or routine maintenance is performed in intervals normally based on time, mileage, or hours.
Note: It is absolutely essential that you read your owner’s manual and warranty information in regards to who is responsible for what when it comes to scheduled maintenance. Adhere to the service schedule outlined in the manual. Scheduled maintenance that is required by the manufacturer and not performed can void your warranty.
Safety Alarms
Check Smoke, LPG, and Carbon Monoxide alarms for proper operation and replace batteries as needed.
Battery Care
Check the water level in your batteries monthly. Remove the vent caps and look inside the fill wells. Check the electrolyte levels. The minimum level required for charging the battery is at the top of the plates. When you add water, use only distilled water and fill the cell to 1/8 inch below the fill well. Also remove any corrosion on the connections with a wire brush and baking soda/water solution.
Tire Maintenance
Tire manufacturers stress that there are four main considerations concerning tire care:
- Proper air pressure should be maintained
- Under-inflated tires can cause handling problems, increased tire wear, and even sudden tire failure
- And don’t just check the pressure at the start of the season, but every time you are heading out
- Age of the tires: RV tires usually age out before they wear out; tires should be inspected annually, especially after the first five to six years, regardless of the mileage
Emergency Road Service
Even with the best preparation, issues can still arise with your RV, so it’s a good idea to sign up for a roadside assistance plan.
Like any insurance plan, Emergency Road Service is an investment that you hope you’ll never need. But if you spend much time on the road, sooner or later you’ll have a breakdown.
Excellent plans are available from CoachNet and AAA.
Your plan should provide coverage for emergency gas/fuel, lockout service, tire changes, and jump-starts. These services should be available no matter where you travel. Think about your needs and ensure that your emergency assistance plan will meet them. Ask yourself the following questions:
- Does my plan cover all vehicles that we normally travel with: motorhome, toad, trailer?
- Does my plan include a lodging allowance if we aren’t able to stay in our RV?
- Am I covered in the U.S. and Canada?
- Does my plan have an upper limit? A deductible?
- What hoops do I have to jump through to get reimbursed if I have to pay cash for service?
Shop around. Match your plan to your needs and your budget—and you’ll drive with peace of mind this spring and summer.
See you down the road and Happy and Safe RVing!
Worth Pondering…
Stop worrying about the potholes in the road and celebrate the journey.
—Fitzhugh Mullan