You’ve mapped out your route, with stops planned for scenic lookouts and the best waffles on the interstate. You’ve got your favorite site reserved, and a full itinerary for sight-seeing and hiking. What you didn’t plan for was an RV repair.
Staying a couple of days in a costly hotel while your RV is held up at a diesel shop is nobody’s idea of a fun vacation, yet it often happens that arguably the most important planning of your trip is forgotten in the rush of getting out the door.
How can you avoid an RV repair that interrupts your summer fun? Here are four steps to get you started:
Check Fluid Levels Regularly: Before you get on the road, and multiple times throughout your trip, you should be checking the fluid levels of your RV. Oil and transmission fluids reduce friction between moving parts, while also reducing the temperature of your engine and transmission. As these fluids age, they can become thicker, losing their effectiveness in protecting your engine from wear and from heat.
Develop a Minor Tire Obsession: Tires that sit unused age more quickly than tires that are regularly used, so check your RV tires before you head out on your trip. Are they showing signs of age? If you see a crack that is more than 2/32 of an inch deep, the tire should be replaced. If your tire is more than five or six years old, have it inspected by a diesel shop.
You should also ensure that they have been properly inflated for the load they are carrying. An underinflated tire creates more heat, and when the temperature is further increased in summer months, you could have a dangerous tire situation.
Flush the Cooling System: The cooling system in your RV prevents your engine from overheating and then seizing up in the summer months. Regularly flushing your cooling system can help prevent rust and corrosion from damaging your engine. In addition to replacing the antifreeze, you should also inspect radiator hoses and heater hoses for any signs of cracking.
Cool Your RV: Park your RV where you can capitalize any shade that is available, and if you have awnings, use them to help keep your vehicle cool. You should also close any shades on the side of the RV impacted by sun. Clean the air filters on your air conditioner frequently to allow it to run as efficiently as possible. With these four steps, you should be more likely to avoid an unplanned RV repair this summer. If an unexpected repair is necessary and you happen to be in Lincoln, Nebraska, or Lexington, South Carolina, bring your RV to Gray Diesel & Equipment Services. You’ll be welcomed with friendly faces, ready to get you back on the road as quickly as possible with quality service.