Submitted by Dwayne Kuemper , Service Manager, Nanaimo Airport Location
Tim: Hi Al
Al: Hello Tim
Tim: What's on the agenda today Al?
Al: Well Tim today we were going to talk about RV Maintenance.
Tim: Oh that's right Al; RV Maintenance. That's where you take your unit to Arbutus RV and Marine Sales Ltd. and get it all serviced up.
Al: That's right Tim, but I think we should tell everybody about the things most people can do themselves.
Tim: You've got that Al; some of us are pretty darned handy.
Al: Yah Tim, some of us more than others. There are quite a few things that should be done several times a year and some things that should be done before each trip.
Tim: We discussed rubber roof maintenance in our last issue so let's talk about some of the other things we should do to make our camping trips a real blast.
Al: Well what we don't want Tim, is for anyone to experience the type of blast you usually do, so lets leave the propane system to the pro's at Arbutus.
Tim: All right Al but there is still lots we can do on our own to minimize repair costs and increase our fun.
Al: That's right Tim and one of those things is checking Tire Pressures and Lug Nut Torques
Tim: Before each trip you should kick the tires to make sure they're tight and full of air.
Al: No Tim that is not true . Before each trip you should use a tire pressure gauge and torque wrench to check for correct pressure and torque .
Tim: That's right Al, I was just testing you, but why should I check my tire pressure and lug nut torque every trip? I don't check my car every trip.
Al: Well as you know Tim, trailer tires in particular can be put under a lot more stress than automobile tires. When towables, with two axles, turn tight corners there can be a lot of side stress on the wheels that most automobiles never need to handle, and most towable RV's do not have shocks, this can also increase stress on the wheels and tires. These simple checks could make the difference from a good trip and a not so good trip.
Tim: That's right Al, and tire pressure gauges and torque wrenches are available at virtually any auto parts supply store.
Al: And if you're not sure what your tire pressure and lug nut torque should be, any tire shop or the great folks in the Service Department at Arbutus RV will be able to help you.
Tim: Yes Al, and while your checking your tire pressure and lug nut torque you should also Check the Condition of your Tires. The tread should wear evenly on all tires. Any uneven wear could be an indication of a problem.
Al: That's right Tim some tire wear problems can be the result of incorrect tire pressure, a mismatched set of tires or possibly a more serious problem like a bent axle. It is possible for the trailer tires to hit a hole or an object on the road and not even be felt from inside the tow vehicle. If the hit is hard enough it can result in a bent axle. Often the only indication of a problem is tire wear.
Tim: So as you can see it is very important to check your tires and wheels every trip.
Al: Yes Tim I'm glad you straightened that out for everyone.
Tim: Another maintenance item that should be done frequently is Lubing Exterior Moving Parts .
Al: You're absolutely correct Tim. RV's have many moving parts that are exposed to the elements like rain, road salt and gravel just to mention a few. Stabilizer jacks, tongue jacks, hitch couplers, slide out mechanisms and entrance steps are some of the items that should be regularly lubed in order to continue working correctly.
Tim: Yes and sometimes it is the more obvious items that are over looked.
Al: That's right Tim. One of these is the compartment door locks and latches. A little shot of lubricant will make those lock work more easily and last a long time.
Tim: Yes and don't forget the entrance door locks and all the hinges. The more often you lube, the slicker you'll be.
Al: I think what Tim is trying to say is that it is better to lube more frequently. This will help to ensure the proper function of these parts.
Tim: Well Al I'm afraid that's all the time we have for this issue.
Al: Oh you're right Tim but there are so many maintenance items to discuss in the next issue let's talk about Battery Care and Sealant inspections.
Tim: Excellent Al, You're right again, but everyone knows they can contact the Experts in the Service Departments at Arbutus RV and Marine Sales for advice on all their service needs.
Drop in, call or email us if you have any questions –
The coffee is always on. Have fun RVing!
CALL ANY OF THE FINE SERVICE REPS AT ARBUTUS RV
Marianne in Sidney at 655-1119 or toll-free 1-888-272-8888
Rolf in Mill Bay at 743-3800 or toll-free 1-800-665-5581
Dwayne or Rick in Nanaimo at 245-0282 or toll-free 1-877-245-0282
Paul or Doug in Courtenay at 337-2174 or toll-free 1-866-330-2174
