Ask Bob Livingston: RV Self-Defense

November 25, 2019

Logging more than 31,000 miles during the last three summers was very insightful and of course, fun. But plying the nation’s highways is pretty hard on RVs. There’s a bit of irony in the fact that although RVs are made to travel, they are susceptible to damage because of rough road conditions. And with body and suspension damage comes hefty repair bills, not to mention down time and ruined trips. Fortunately, complying with scheduled maintenance procedures can circumvent many of the maladies that impact the service life of RVs and your psyche. I call proactive inspections and maintenance “RV self-defense.”

For many, the winter months signify the time of the year when the RV is put in storage; this is a perfect time to schedule appointments at service centers and make sure the rig is ready to go when the cold weather gives way to warmer, longer days. Obviously, full timers and snowbirds have a few more challenges when it comes to contracting service, but those staying in resorts, for example, can call in mobile RV technicians (where allowed) who make their living catering to people who find it difficult to move out of their rigs for routine maintenance and repairs.

Since suspensions are top of mind for the moment, it’s important to inspect the tires, regardless of RV type, for adverse wear and tread depth, and to make sure they have not timed out. As presented in previous columns, tires are not automatically good just because the tread depth meets legal specifications. It’s critical to adhere to a 7-year time-out policy, especially for trailer tires that are many times inferior in quality. If motorhome tires were properly cared for, meaning kept out of the sun and treated with a good protectant like Aerospace 303, they can still be safe up to 10 years, but with yearly professional inspections after 7 years.

Trailer suspensions are much more problematic than those on a motorhome and require careful inspections on an annual basis. Bearings must be inspected and repacked every year or 12,000 miles to ensure safety and some semblance of longevity, which is probably a misnomer. Typical trailer suspensions are pretty crude when compared to available technology these days, and aftermarket parts, like bearings, may not be of the highest quality. Trouble spots are spring hanger integrity and adverse shackle wear. If the bolt holes in the spring shackle become elongated, then it’s only a matter of time before the suspension becomes compromised. Heavy-duty replacement kits, which are surprisingly inexpensive when compared to repair costs associated with collateral damage because of shackle failure, are easy to install, much more durable and safer.

Using wet bolts (those with Zerk fittings) also increases service life. Owners looking to keep their trailer structure and components in good shape, should consider one of the aftermarket suspension kits on the market. MORryde, Roadmaster and Super Springs are among those companies offering kits that will improve ride quality, which relates to longer service life. Also, consider adding shocks, to any leaf-spring trailer suspension.

Trailer brakes should be inspected every year or 12,000 miles and components replaced as needed. Normally this is done at the time of bearing service. Electric over hydraulic disc brakes provide much better stopping power than their electric drum counterparts, but they too can be problematic. For example, not all disc brake pads are created equal, and a number of people have experienced failures, including yours truly, that have lead to very costly repairs. Pad separation from the bracket, due to the proliferation of cheap overseas parts, will quickly destroy a rotor. The solution: Perform a visual inspection of rotor and pads every month. In most cases, this can be done without removing the wheels.

Of course, motorhome brakes should be inspected regularly (depending on mileage), but that requires shop time for those with limited Saturday-mechanic skills.

Beyond cleaning, inspection and maintenance of the appliances and applicable filters, there are a few areas that need attention to promote trouble-free experiences. No one likes to dump the holding tanks, but it’s a necessary evil. To keep things flowing smoothly, and free of nasty odors, the holding tanks should be pressure cleaned once a year. While that may seem like an unneeded expense to those who are religious about rinsing the tanks at each dumping, reality suggests differently. Pressure cleaning will force the crud off the sidewalls inside the tanks and assure that the entire capacity of the tank is usable—and help keep the monitors working. And don’t discount the gray tank(s) because you think it only contains water. In many instances, the gray tank can be more stinky than the black, which defies logic, but I’ve witnessed this situation many times and can attest to the scenario. By the way, one way to prevent stinky gray tanks is to refrain from washing food particles and heavy liquids down the sink drain.

For those who have propane appliances, a leak-down test should be performed by a certified technician every year or any time the system is opened for service. This is a very simple procedure and ensures the system is leak-free and safe.

Preventing moisture intrusion is critical for any RV, motorized or towable. Inspect the roof every year and reseal as needed. Commercial leak testing, whereby the interior is pressurized and subjected to water, is available for those who suspect hard-to-locate problems. Common places to check include the upper corners inside overhead cabinets, around air-conditioner shrouds and any accessory that required a hole be made in the roof. And don’t forget to check around the windows and exterior light fixtures, as the seals/gaskets can deteriorate over time.

Put awning/slide-out topper fabric and hardware inspection on the list, along with checking the entry steps and hydraulic lines for the leveling jacks on an annual basis and you’ll stay ahead of unexpected failures.

While there are maintenance and repair obligations associated with RV ownership, participating in the lifestyle makes it all worth the effort.

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Bob Livingston recently retired as the group publisher and senior VP for GS Media and Events, publishers of Trailer Life and MotorHome magazines and their respective websites. Bob has written technical and lifestyle articles and books for 45 years, and penned the popular technical question and answer monthly column, Tech Topics, in Highways magazine, the 1.5-million-member Good Sam Club’s official publication, for more than 20 years.

He created and appeared on the weekly television show, RVtoday, and directed the programming and production during its five-year run on cable TV. Bob was inducted into the RV/MH Hall of Fame in 2014. He keeps his hand in the RV industry as a consultant to a number of companies working on product development and marketing projects. Bob and his wife, Lynne, live full time in their fifth wheel.