A few more tips on how to keep your RV well maintained and avoid, to the extent possible, unexpected trouble down the road, as well as to be prepared for when a breakdown or other technical problem emerges.
- Know how to get assistance to repair your motorhome and any other equipment that you have with you, such as a car, auxiliary generator, or boat. It’s a good idea to purchase an emergency road service policy for your RV. Also, a dealer directory for your brand of RV usually comes with your vehicle.
- When you hear a rattle in your rig, check for loose screws, such as those that attach the cover on the range.
- Don’t overinflate your tires. When you check tire pressure, keep in mind that cold temperatures normally cause tire pressure to drop. The pressure will build up as you drive.
- Surprisingly, most truck stops don’t carry propane (also called “LP gas”). If you’re looking for LP gas while on the road, try a campground that’s near the highway.
- Use a notebook to record RV maintenance, listing the date and odometer reading along with other details. Set up a separate page for oil changes, oil filter changes, and other maintenance tasks. You may find it convenient to have separate notebooks for some pieces of equipment, like the generator.
- A wood tire knocker (available at truck stops) is handy for quickly checking tires to see if they sound solid or might be leaking air.
- Most Rvers love to talk shop. Be ready to learn from other campers, dealers, and truck drivers. Read all the articles and books you can find and study the manuals that come with your equipment. Then be willing to share what you’ve experienced.
Good luck with your summer camping.
I’ll be back with more…
Bernice Beard
John
Eric, you absolutelty correct, tire pressure inorder to be accurate needs to be meassured when the tire is cold. Driving heats up the tires and increases the tire pressure. This is driving 101 basic knowledge.
Eric
I understood that tire pressure was to be measured when the tire is cold. So, I think people should understand that there will be somewhat of a pressure increase when they drive on their tires due to heat build-up, but that tire pressure is taken when cold to be accurate. If I am wrong, I need to be told otherwise. This was what I learned in auto mechanics class in high school back in the dark ages.
Darrel
I agree with Jim, I’d strongly suggest getting a tire pressure monitor so you can very frequently check tire pressure even while driving. The PressurePro system is very easy to install and works very well.
Jim Walker
Testing tire pressure by striking the tire with a wooden stick is not a good idea. It is done by some but it is grossly inaccurate. Enough error could occur from the wooden stick method to incur major tire damage due to under inflation.