How McFarlane’s Can Help Prepare Your RV for Travel
June 27, 2023 by Kyle McFarlaneRVs are a great way to travel. Whether you’re taking an extended road trip or just making a weekend run to a new town, there’s a lot to remember to pack and prepare for before you set out in an RV. If you need camper trailer chemicals to trailer parts and accessories, McFarlane Trailer Sales is here to help you stay on schedule so you can keep exploring the country.
4 Essential Checks Before a Trip
While there are plenty of things to check before going out on the road, paying attention to these four things can keep you prepared. If you find issues, get them fixed before they get worse and keep you at home.
1. RV Roof
Either walk the roof of the RV or use a ladder to get up there to check for damage. Look for cracks or broken seals. You can check the sealant of the roof by rubbing your hand on the roof. If you feel or see white residue, the roof coating might need to be replaced.
2. RV Tires
Checking the tires monthly will keep them operating the best and help to avoid stress by catching problems early. Check the tire pressure. Look for tread wear and cracks in the sidewall. It can be a good idea to check the lug nuts for tightness. Once a year, check the age of the tires. Look for the date code on the tire. This 4-digit number follows the letters DOT. The first two numbers refer to the week and the last two digits refer to the year it was manufactured. If the tire is more than 6 years old, the tires need to be replaced.
3. Mechanical Inspection
An annual maintenance inspection by a professional to check the fluids, filters, brakes and trailer exterior accessories can give you peace of mind when you’re on the road. Although you may be able to check some systems, a mechanic may be required for other systems. Look at your manufacturer’s technical manual to know how often to perform certain tasks. Check the warranty requirements to ensure you’re keeping up.
4. RV Hitch and Tow
Even if you don’t plan to tow a car, you should make sure your hitch and towing equipment are in good order. Check the load capacity before hauling a new vehicle as well. Look for rust or corrosion on all the parts. Make sure you know how to hitch everything together before you set out on the road. It’s easy to forget all the moving parts when you don’t use it every week.
Check the Interior Before Setting Out
The inside of the RV is as important as the exterior. Power up the RV and check the generator before taking it out on the road. Confirm all the appliances are working well. Test your electronics and the electrical system. Make sure the propane and water systems are working right. Check the RV toilet chemicals to make sure you have enough for the trip.
Check Your Accessories
Do an inspection of your trailer exterior accessories. Check to make sure you have the tools and supplies you may need on your trip. We recommend having spare fuses, flashlights, light bulbs and duct tape on hand, as well as a basic tool kit with screwdrivers, wrenches and a jumper cable. A little preparedness for small things can prevent bigger problems. McFarlane Trailer Sales can help you find what you need and keep your RV looking great. Check out our product lines to see what we offer.