Repairs and maintenance, whether related to mechanical function or cosmetic appearance, can get pricey. However, if there is one system that warrants consistent prioritizing, it is the RV braking system.
While brakes may not be the most eye-catching component of a rig, they are among the most critical. For this reason, you should understand how brake components wear, how often inspections are necessary, and the warning signs that indicate potential issues.
Weight and Inspection Schedules
Brakes on a passenger vehicle are important, but given the fact that RV brakes are under much more pressure due to the overall weight of the RV and because they are tasked with traveling long distances, they need regular checks.
It’s recommended that full-time RVers check their brakes every 3,000 miles or every three months. Driving conditions, which include driving habits and terrain, as well as weight load and the frequency of travel will also play a major role in how often you should schedule inspections.
What Wears Down Brakes?
Themore you use your brakes, the more likely you’re going to need repairs or replacement. Someone traveling primarily on mountainous roads will be stepping on the brake pedal far more often than someone who only drives on flat surfaces.
Heavier rigs will be prone to RV brake failure sooner than lighter RVs. But you must also factor in driving habits. For example, some drivers tend to closely follow vehicles ahead of them, which means they’re stomping on the brake pedal more often than drivers that allow more room. Drivers with a “heavy foot” are also more likely to burn through RV brakes faster than slower drivers.
Warning Signs to Consider
Are you hearing something out of the ordinary when you use your brakes? What about vibrations or pulsing in the pedal? Does your RV pull to one side when you depress the brake pedal or have you noticed a reduction in stopping power? These are classic signs that you’ve got a brake problem.
There will be times when the dashboard warning pops up, yet you don’t experience any of the above symptoms. It’s still important to have your RV inspected, as there could be something going on that doesn’t seem like a problem now, but could be very soon.
Safety is the top priority on the road, so to make sure your RV can stop as expected, follow a regular inspection routine. Need assistance with your RV brakes? Contact us at Gray Diesel & Equipment Services. Our team has the expertise you need, whether your RV has hydraulic or electric brakes, so we’ve got you covered.