It’s the New Year and it’s the time when most people decide what RV adventures they want to go on in this new chapter of life. If you live in the Henderson or Las Vegas area, you are fortunate because you can use your RV year round. You don’t have to be cooped up in the house, just waiting for the cold to dissipate. It stays warm enough here you can use your home away from home all winter long. However, the question is not can you take your RV on an adventure, but rather have you made sure its maintenance is up to date. You don’t want to have mechanical trouble on the road and that’s why you should always maintain your RV. Here are the most common RV maintenance services you need to have checked before going on a trip.
Electrical System
Electrical issues on the road can make a fun, relaxing trip turn into one full of inconveniences. Imagine no lights or working appliances. Even worse, cold showers. Before heading out on a trip, you will need to do a thorough check of your electrical system. This will help you determine whether there are faults that need to be corrected before you head out.
Propane System
If your RV has a propane system installed, then you definitely have to test it out before heading out. The propane sensor is usually located on the floor of the vehicle. This is because propane is heavier than air, and will fall towards the bottom whenever there is a leak. Not only is a propane leak inconvenient, but it also is dangerous. The first thing to do is check if it powers on by using the included test feature. If not working, then you will want to visit us at TNT RV Repair to have a professional look at it.
If the test feature is working, then it’s time to test for a leak. You do this by turning the propane valves open. You will need to leave it in this position for about two hours. If there is a leak, then the sensor will pick it up, and you need to get it repaired. If the sensor did not go off then there is no leak and you should be good to go.
Tire and Brake
In order to remain safe on the road, you have to have well maintained tires and brakes. When looking at your tires you want to make sure there is still ample tread and they aren’t worn more than fifty percent. If they are not in proper condition you need to stop in to get new tires or to have a professional give you their opinion.
Secondly, you need to check your brakes. RVs are larger and harder to control than standard cars, so your brake system has to be in tip-top shape, so you are safe on the road. It is best to rely on the experience of a qualified mechanic to determine if your brakes meet these guidelines.
Oil and Air Filter
Similar to a car, some of the simplest fixes you can make to get your engine up and running is by simply changing the oil and air filters. Both of these services are preventative at protecting your engine, but we highly recommend maintaining them because they are inexpensive and prolong the life of your engine.
Air filters work by blocking particles that would otherwise make it into the cylinders of your engine. If an air filter gets too dirty, it stops working. That is why it is imperative to change them annually. They are a cheap and quick fix to protect your engine.
Oil is essential for the health of your engine and like a car you should change your oil every three to five thousand miles. As parts in your engine move, they rub against each other. If no oil is present, the heat generated will be dangerous to the engine components and will likely cause the engine to seize up. The oil works by lubricating your engine parts to keep them working smoothly and it draws heat away from the engine.
If you need help with any of your RV maintenance services contact TNT RV Repair today! Request service now.