RV University This Week 04/11/2011

Hi Everybody,

I have the RV ready to roll, so all that's left is to plan a trip. It will more than likely be a weekend getaway since it's difficult to take more than a few days off at a time right now. I am so looking forward to a one or two week long RV trip with NO work, but right now I would gladly settle for a weekend away with NO work too.

I have a couple of business trips scheduled in the near future, but after that I plan to clear my schedule a bit and take some time to enjoy the RV.

Episode # 6 of "Mark's RV Garage" will be released next Monday, and if you missed any of the previous episodes you can watch them at the links below.

Until next week, plan your trip, travel safe and enjoy your RV experiences. Remember, getting there is half the fun!
Mark Polk

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A few RV Care & Maintenance tips:

Preventive Maintenance is maintenance you perform on your RV before a problem exists. These checks are designed to prevent or identify potential problems that could lead to mechanical breakdown, malfunction or failure of a component or system on your RV. Preventive Maintenance consists of cleaning, inspecting, lubricating, adjusting and servicing your RV.

Scheduled or routine maintenance is performed in intervals normally based on time, mileage or hours. Scheduled maintenance is designed to keep your RV in top operating condition and prevent untimely breakdowns and repairs. It is absolutely essential that you read your owner’s manual and warranty information in regards to who is responsible for what when it comes to scheduled maintenance. Scheduled maintenance that is required by the manufacturer and not performed can void your warranty.

Emergency Maintenance is maintenance and / or repairs that are required when you least expect it due to component, system or mechanical failure. In many situations emergency maintenance is required because preventive maintenance and scheduled maintenance were not performed.

Windows: Check windows, window locks and window screens for damage and proper operation. Lubricate window latches with light oil. Keep the inside window track clean and free of dirt. RV windows have weep slots in the bottom track to allow water to drain. Inspect the outside weep slots for any debris or obstructions. Clean as required.

Wash the Exterior: Exterior finishes begin to deteriorate over time. To extend the life of the exterior wash the RV frequently using a mild soap and water solution. You should always try to wash your RV after returning from a trip. Do not use harsh or abrasive cleaners. When washing the RV avoid spraying water directly into any appliance vents. Metal sidewall finishes require routine maintenance to keep black streaks cleaned from the surface. If black streaks remain on metal sidewall finishes for prolonged periods of time it can be extremely difficult to clean or remove them. Use a commercial black streak remover to clean black streaks. Test cleaning solutions on a small portion of the RV’s graphics before using it.

Brake Fluid: Check the brake fluid level in the master cylinder reservoir. Clean the cap off before removing it to prevent dirt from getting in the brake fluid. Consult your owner’s manual for the proper type of brake fluid and add as required, but do not overfill.
Caution: The brake system is a closed system and ordinarily does not require additional fluid. If you have to add fluid it may be an indication of a leak somewhere in the system. Have it checked out and repaired immediately.

Entry Steps: Clean steps periodically to remove dirt, mud and road grime. Inspect steps for rust. Sand, primer and paint as required. Lubricate all moving parts. Consult the step manufacturer owner’s manual for proper lubricant and lubrication points. Check electric steps for proper operation before each trip.

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