By Jim Grey

Recreation vehicle ownership continues to grow, with 8 million households owning at least one RV in 2005 and new sales typically topping 350,000 a year.

While “RV” can mean anything from a $5,000 camping trailer to a $400,000 motor home, all need extra maintenance attention. Market researchers peg the typical RV owner as 35-54 years old, with an annual income of $68,000 who travels an average of 4,500 miles a year.

Here are some tips for before you travel and how to care for your RV.

Before The Trip
Sometimes, bad things happen on the best of trips. The Boy Scouts have it right: Be prepared.

First, calculate the Gross Vehicle Weight of your trailer or coach when fully loaded. Use RV internet sites with spreadsheets to help you do it accurately. It’s the first question a tow company asks if you break down on the road.

Second, record your tire’s DOT code and size. If you have a flat and the tire must be replaced, this will be invaluable.

Third, document the bearing sizes and bearing seal part numbers and the parts numbers of all belts and hoses. Knowing that information lessens many potential headaches, especially since RV and towing vehicles have accessories added that change belt and hose configurations.

Finally, get a wiring schematic of the wiring system - both the low voltage and in the case of coach, the vehicle/engine wiring system.  The average shop mechanic does not have access to this information and an RV specialist may not be available. Keep everything in a single file.
Be sure you know your overhead clearance and keep it in mind when planning your trip.

Maintaining all RVs
RV’s typically sit for extended periods of time.
After a season of storage the following should be checked:

• LP gas connections and system pressure (you must have the proper gauges to check this).
• Verify the air conditioning’s cool air temperature  (48 to 55 degrees) and clean a/c filters. Check the refrigerator operation.
• Beware of mold growth and treat your carpets with a freshener. 
• On the outside, check mirror adjustments, window seals, roof sealant and make sure  safety chains are not worn from dragging.
• Lastly, check the charging system and battery, including the drive belt; nothing works if this system fails. Change the fuel filter every year regardless of mileage.
  

RV experts say 16 hours of maintenance per year is needed to keep your RV in good order, if you’re not up to it, hire someone,

Trailers
Always repack the wheel bearings and replace the seals, record the bearing id numbers and the seal id numbers and put with your information file.  Check the brakes while the wheels are off, if applicable, and make sure the hydraulic connections are good.

Check for a clean and secure electrical ground connections on both the trailer and the tow vehicle.  When storing your trailer, coat the electrical connector with electrical silicone lube to prevent corrosion especially if you live near the ocean.

Coach Towing
I have found over the years that the single most fatal error an RV coach owner does is tow a vehicle behind for convenience at their destination.  The dynamics of RV engineering only designs a drive train for what the users says he wants.  If a buyer says he will not tow, the design dictates a lesser number of drive plates in the transmission, along with smaller drive hubs in the converter and output shafts.  The original owner sells, you tell the dealer you like the RV, but you want to tow a car behind.  Dealer installs hitch and off you go, after 1,000 miles the tranny is dead and you’re out $1000 of dollars.  The transmission mechanic asks why you’re towing with that particular transmission.

Whether buying new or used, find out the engineered tow capabilities of the vehicle and get it in writing.  RV manufactures do honor transmission warranties for chassis’s not designed to tow.

Coach owners should always focus on the maintenance of the drive train. Heat is the enemy of this drive train, and more frequent service intervals for engine oil, transmission oil, coolant and belts, will bring peace of mind.