RV VITALS

By The CrossRoads Team | June 27, 2018

RV Healthcare is something we need to talk about. Understanding what causes RV issues before they occur will make you a happier owner. Much like a car, your RV has maintenance requirements. All RV's are subject to issues that will require attention. The secret is to catch the issues while they are small and easy to repair.

 

WATER

Water is not your friend. Here at CrossRoads we seal all our RV's to be water tight. We test our units for water tight integrity before they hit the road. Click Here to watch our testing process. RV's are made to be pulled down the road to the destination of your choice.  The process of pulling RV's at highway speeds produces gale / hurricane force winds.  This enables water to find its way in to any unsealed opening. Campsite hazards and mother nature can cause additional damage to seals and water tight integrity. Report possible leaks to your local CrossRoads dealers ASAP. Inspect your RV for possible water issues every 3 months at a minimum. We recommend inspecting all your RV seals each camping trip.

What needs to be inspected?

  • • Air Conditioning Unit Seals
  • • Roof Vents
  • • Fans
  • • Sky Lights
  • • Roof Seams
  • • Front and Rear Cap Seals
  • • Window Seals
  • • Baggage Door Seals
  • • Door Seals
  • • Outside Speakers
  • • Wall Seams
  • • Slide-Out Seals
  • • Water / Electrical / Connections
  • • Water Heater and Furnace Vent
  • • Appliance Vents

 

SLIDE OUTS

Slide outs are fantastic. The ability to add living space by extending slide out boxes has changed the way we use RV's. Slide outs are designed to be sturdy and ready to camp when you are. Like all mechanical things, slide outs will need love and attention to keep them running smooth.

Make sure your Slide Out Roof is clean: Debris such as; tree limbs, pine needles, dirt, sand and leaves can be jammed in to the top seals and damage the seal or the bulb.

Make sure your RV is Level: It's important to level your RV before you operate the slide outs.  This will ensure proper slide out operation.

Clean and Lube:  Make sure your slide out is clean of road debris, ice and salt.  Wash your RV with warm water and soap if necessary.  It is important to keep your seals and wipers conditioned! All seals are made of rubber, and will harden and deteriorate over time if left un-treated.  There are several commercial products available for this purpose and can be acquired from your dealer of purchase.

 

GEL-COAT & FIBERGLASS CARE

Fiberglass is a common term for fiber-reinforced plastic and used on many RV's for sidewalls and caps.  To give the fiberglass a smooth and shiny surface, a clear or colored gel resin material is applied.  Gel coat can become dull or faded as it weathers.  So how do you keep your fiberglass looking good?

Cleaning: Periodic cleaning with an RV approved soap is necessary to remove normal accumulations of road grime and campsite dirt.  Make sure you use an RV approved brush and soap.  DO NOT POWER WASH YOUR RV.  You will damage your seals and graphics.  You should wax your RV 3 times a year.

Waxing: After washing with RV approved soaps and detergents, a good polishing with a Marine Grade wax will restore most of the original gloss. This will also prevent black streaks on the side of the RV and make them easy to clean.

Compounding: Polishing compound (fine abrasive) or rubbing compound (coarser abrasive) is recommended for use on fiberglass RV's to remove scratches, stains, or a severely weathered surface.

 

TIRES AND AXLES

If your RV tires are under inflated by only 6psi it could lead to tire failure!  That's no way to start a vacation and it is Dangerous! Additionally, under inflated tires can reduce tread life by as much as 25%.  Under inflated tires build up internal heat.  This increases "rolling resistance" and will cause a reduction in fuel economy of up to 5% per tire.  

Pre Trip Inspection: Before you leave for a trip or pack up to head home you need to check:

 

  • • Tire Pressure: Check the tire side wall for correct pressure.
  • • Tire wear: Inspect tire sidewalls for damage.  Make sure that tire wear is even and there is plenty of thread.  Uneven wear on tires may be a sign of bigger issues. Please see your dealer ASAP.
  • • Axles: Inspect axles for damage and over loading.  If axles are damaged, please see your CrossRoads dealer ASAP.
  • • Tire Lugs: Tire lugs need to be Torqued to proper ft-lb.  Please refer to the CrossRoads owner's manual for proper torque and tightening sequence.

 

SHORE POWER CABLE

Failure to properly connect the power cord could result in an electrical failure (converter damage) fire and electrocution.  The cord needs to fit tight to the RV.  Loose connections will damage the electrical system!

 

  • • Plug the power cord into your RV BEFORE plugging it into the power panel.
  • • Insert the cord into the RV and twist in a clockwise direction to secure cord.  Tug on cord to insure it's locked.
  • • Tighten the coupler on the outside of the connector, making sure the ring is tight.  Make sure the cord is snug and there is no "play or movement" in the connection.
  • • Turn off all RV appliances & systems before connecting to power panel (powering down main circuit(s) breaker is suggested)
  • • Turn off the breaker at the power source if possible.  Plug in the power cord to the source.  Turn on breaker to supply power.
  • • Turn on appliances & systems and enjoy your camping trip.

 

Thank you for joining the CrossRoads family.  Taking care of your new RV will help ensure you have many great memories in your new RV.

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