Maintenance

Care For Your Caravan

PERFORM BEFORE EACH USE:Verify that loaded weight is within specifications.Verify that loaded weight is evenly distributed.Verify awning operation.Verify leveling equipment operation.Check draining systems for leaks and road damage.Check RCBO circuits for operation.Inspect 240VAC breakers and 12VDC fuses.Verify all appliance operation.Test all safety alarms for operation; replace batteries if necessary.Check fire extinguisher pressure and condition.Check operation of all clearance lights, brake lights, turn signals and hazard lights.Check tyre pressure including spare.Inspect tyres for adequate tread depth.Verify that slide room wipe seals and bulb seals are in place and functioning.Verify slide room movement, adjustment and operation.Inspect appliance exterior vents for dirt and obstructions; clean if necessary.Inspect and test generator (if applicable) for operation.Inspect battery(s), clean and verify fluid levels. PERFORM EVERY 3 MONTHS:Check tyre pressure including spare tyre.Inspect tyres for dry rot and adequate tread depth.Verify that slide room wipe seals and bulb seals are in place and functioning.Inspect slide out wipe seals and bulb seals for shrinkage, damage and deterioration.Inspect appliance exterior vents for dirt and obstructions; clean if necessary.Wash exterior with warm water and mild detergent.Roll unit forward or backward to avoid flats spots on tyres. PERFORM EVERY 6 MONTHS:Verify slide room operation, adjustment and movement.Clean roof per manufacturer's instructions.Inspect and repair/replace seals as necessary on moldings, walls and caps.Inspect and repair/replace roof sealsInspect interior for water leaks.Clean window weep holes.Inspect window seals for damage and repair/replace as needed.Inspect baggage doors for proper closure, adequate seal and any water leaks.Perform any appliance maintenance per manufacturer's instructions.Clean toilet filter if applicable.Open and inspect interior compartments for water leaks or water damage. PERFORM EVERY 12 MONTHS:Inspect and test generator (if applicable) for operation.Inspect battery(s), clean and verify fluid levels.Wax exterior walls and caps with liquid or paste wax/polymer.Clean and lubricate roof vent mechanisms.Apply reconditioner to slide room wiper seals and bulb seals.Silicone exposed slide room hydraulic cylinder rods.Adjust and lubricate window latches.Clean and lubricate exterior steps, jacks and jack legs.Clean and lubricate exterior locks, gears and hinges.Winterise depending on local conditions.Perform generator maintenance, if applicable, per manufacturer instructions.Clean carpet and other interior appointments.Clean all detector and alarm components.Inspect chassis paint for minor rust and scratches; touch up as needed.Check all wheel nut torque values at a certified service center.

RV Checklist Before You Leave Home

ExteriorCheck your tyre pressure (on both your RV and the tow vehicle) and adjust as neededCheck battery levelsClean your windshield, mirrors, and rear-view cameraDetach and put away solar panels (if portable)Disconnect any cables or hoses and securely store themEnsure brakes are workingInspect fluid levels Brake fluidEngine coolantGasOilPower steeringTransmissionInspect spare tyreLock all slide outsMake sure cap on sewer outlet is secureMeasure propane levels and fill if neededPrepare and pack an emergency kitProperly hitch the RV to your vehicle and triple check for loose connectionsPut down antenna or store satelliteRaise stabilizing jacksRemove wheel chocks and put them in storageRetract door stepSecure all items in storage, such as cabinets, and lock themTest all brake lights, turn signals, and headlightsTurn off gas supplyTighten any loose nugs on the wheels of the RV and tow vehicle
InteriorArrange items in the fridge in the most stable way possible, and then close and lock it when you are doneClose and lock all cabinets, doors, and drawersClose vents and windowsDouble check pilot lights are offSecure all loose items so they don’t move during transportMake sure weight inside of RV is evenly distributedTurn off all appliances – both gas-powered and electricTurn off lights so they don’t drain your batteryTurn off the water pumpTurn off the water heaterTurn off AC or heater

Top 6 Simple Safety Tips for new RV owners

1. Mind the size No matter the size of your RV, it’s going to add length and weight to your vehicle. So, when you are on the road, make sure to pull farther forward while beginning a turn at stop lights, turning wider than you would when you are not towing an RV. Experienced RV owners know this and should have sufficient practice. However, first-time owners should be aware of the extra space they will need while turning. Another thing to consider while towing an RV is the height. If you are going on a trip, it is possible that you will encounter an overpass, tunnel, or other obstruction. To ensure that you don’t clip your precious RV, write down the height and keep it on your dashboard so it is easy to view while driving. Pay attention to clearance signs and refer to your height as needed.It’s not just length and height that needs to be accounted for before hitting the road. You should also know your RV’s weight and GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating), which is the amount your vehicle is designed to carry, to make sure that you aren’t towing more than is possible or safe. The last thing you want is to lose your RV while you are barreling down the highway. 2. Be prepared When going on any RV trip, it is important to be prepared for anything. Pack equipment that you might need in an emergency, such as shovels, road flares, toolkits, and more.For roadside emergencies, bring a shovel, wheel blocks, a tire pressure gauge, motor oil or other fluids, and anything else you think you might need. Be sure to include registration, insurance, and warranty papers in case your vehicle or RV gets damagedFor other emergencies, consider things like a first aid kit, fire extinguisher, toolkit, battery chargers, and duct tape. The list can go on. When in doubt, consider the risks you might experience on the way to and from your destination. 3. Drive safely We know driving safely is easier said than done. However, there are specific steps you can take to make this happen.To start, drive defensively. This means obeying the speed limit, avoiding distractions, and being cautious of other drivers on the road.If you are new to towing an RV, take an RV driving course to obtain sufficient experience before you take your unit out for the first time. This not only protects you; it also protects others.Additionally, all passengers should wear seat belts and sit in front-facing seats on your trip. In the case of an accident, this will save lives. (To clarify, no one should be riding in the RV while you are towing.)And lastly, mind the weather. This should be a priority whether you are towing an RV or not, but it is especially important when you are pulling something heavy. Hazardous conditions become all the more dangerous when you’ve added significant weight and length to your vehicle. To prevent being surprised by a storm, check the forecast before you set out and monitor the situation as you drive. If it’s raining or snowing, the roads will be slippery. 4. Maintain your vehicle and RV Another step you can take to avoid catastrophe is to keep both your towing vehicle and your RV up to date on maintenance. If you allow either of these to fall into disrepair, you are endangering yourself, your passengers, and others on the road.Before you leave, do a thorough systems and mechanical inspection of your RV and vehicle. If something is broken, it is your responsibility to fix it.Things that you should pay attention to include tyres, brakes, and batteries 5. Balance your load Every day, many RVs roll over due to their high centers of gravity. To prevent this from happening to you, it is important to balance your load.To do this, you need to distribute your weight properly. Spread cargo out evenly throughout your RV so the weight on each side is proportionate to the others. Then secure the cargo to make sure it doesn’t shift during travel. As a tip, keep the center of gravity low and set your tire pressure accordingly. Remember not to overload your RV either. Refer to the comments about weight above to ensure you are within a safe threshold. 6. Secure your RV Being safe in an RV doesn’t stop once you set up camp. No matter where you go, there is always a possibility that someone may try to break and enter. To protect yourself, your loved ones, and your property, don’t leave your RV with the windows or doors open.If your RV has a safe, lock up any valuables before you leave, as well. If you do not have a safe, bring valuables with you or hide them securely in a locked vehicle.This may be a lot to take in, but each step is absolutely necessary in order to have a safe trip. As a driver and an RV owner, it is your responsibility to keep other people on the road safe. Any negligence in preparing for a trip could spell disaster.