Many people dream about taking an RV trip to explore the country. There are many benefits to not having portable living quarters with your own kitchen and bathroom. An RV gives you freedom and flexibility. If you decide to stay at a certain spot for longer, there’s nothing to stop you. Before you leave on a long trip, it’s important to make sure your rig is in great shape. Here are some tips to help you.
Inspect the tires
Inspect all the tires thoroughly for any defects and tread wear. You will usually need to replace your RV tires every three to six years. Check the air pressure in the tires and fill them to the recommended PSI. You don’t want to change a flat on your way to a destination like the Great Smoky Mountain National Park or in the park itself, where some of the roads are steep and winding.
There are a variety of campgrounds in the park to choose from, depending on the size of your rig. Smokemount and Cades Cove campgrounds can accommodate the largest vehicles. Great Smoky Mountains Cabin Rentals in nearby Gatlinburg are an option for travelers who don’t have an RV. Get hold of Smoky Mountain Realtor Partners for some great cabins nestled in the mountains.
Check brakes and suspension
As a trailer may sit for long periods, you need to check the brakes and other mechanical parts to make sure they’re working properly. Check the condition of wheel bearings, drums, hubs and brakes. Crawl under the rig and take a look at the suspension to see if there are any worn or broken parts. Check the axle, shackles, bushings etc. Make sure there’s proper torque on all critical nuts and bolts.
Check the RV batteries
It’s vital to check the RV batteries and make sure they’re fully charged. They lose energy when they’re in storage and not in use. If you remove your batteries for storage, make sure you reconnect them correctly.
Inspect the engine and generator
Start by checking all the fluid levels – transmission, engine coolant, engine oil and power steering. Don’t forget about the brake fluid and windshield washer. If you notice low fluid levels, it could indicate a problem and may require a professional inspection. You need to service your engine and check fluids on a regular basis. Make sure all the gauges give accurate readings and take time to make sure the generator is working properly.
Check the appliances
If your RV uses propane for running the fridge, stove and hot water, you need to inspect the tanks, connections, valves, etc. If you have refillable tanks, check the dates on the tanks. Professionals can perform a leak and gas pressure test. This helps to diagnose any problems early on.
Check the RV seams
Every single seam has the potential to cause a leak, so you need to check each one. Inspect and reseal seams to avoid this. Start with the roof and move down over the body of the rig. If your roof shows wear and tear, you may want to have it professionally resurfaced and sealed.
Check devices inside the RV
Check the smoke detector, carbon monoxide detector, PL gas leak detector and fire extinguisher. Update their batteries or have them recharged.
Emergency kit
An emergency kit can be a lifesaver on the road. Some essentials in your emergency could include a flashlight, tire pressure gauge, duct tape, and a water pressure regulator. You can also keep a closed bag for documents like your registration and insurance details in your emergency kit.