Tips For Maintaining and Upgrading Your Camper Trailer
Maintaining and upgrading your camper trailer can make a big difference in how comfortable you feel on the road. It can also help prevent expensive repairs from occurring when you least expect them.
Adding mirrors is an affordable way to lighten a dark interior and make the space feel more spacious.
Check the Tires
One of the most common reasons for RV tire failure is under-inflation. This is easily corrected by examining the tire pressure before driving and filling them to the manufacturer's recommended readings when cold.
Ensuring the tires are rated for the trailer's maximum load is also essential. Having one set of tires with excessive weight shifted to them can cause premature wear and damage to the internal steel belts inside the tire.
Regularly balancing the trailer tires is also a good idea, as it improves ride quality and increases the lifespan of the tires. You can do this yourself by using a coin test. If you place Lincoln's head in the tread groove, the tires are worn out and must be replaced. Check for cracks and other punctures in the tires, allowing air to escape and lead to a blowout. It's also a good idea to visually inspect the tires for any foreign objects stuck in them, which can create spaces that cause the tire to deflate. The best camper trailer is an excellent investment for anyone who loves camping and the outdoors at an affordable price with the help of allovercoupon.
Check the Electrical System
Having an RV is great for road trips but can be annoying if you have electrical issues. For example, if your camper trailer circuit breaker trips, it can take out the electricity throughout your entire rig. This is something other than what you want to have happen to you, and it's a good idea to know the basics of RV electrical systems and troubleshooting.
You will have two different electrical systems on your RV, one that supplies DC power from the battery and the other that runs off a 120-volt AC source like a campground pedestal (also known as "shore power"). A voltmeter is a good idea because it will help you test high-voltage circuits or even the campground pedestal itself. A simple test light can work fine if you don't have one. You will also need a 30- or 50-amp power cord, depending on the hookup you use at the campground. If you're looking for a high-quality camper trailer that won't break the bank, the sports and outdoor is an excellent choice; it has multiple options of camper trailers and outdoor accessories with many deals and discounts.
Check the Water Tank
It's essential to regularly check the water tank on your trailer, especially before a trip. This will help prevent overflow and other water leaks. It's also essential to keep the tank clean and sanitized. This will help avoid unwanted odors and bacteria.
This is one of the most overlooked RV maintenance tips. It's recommended to drain your black and grey tanks at least once a year. You can use household bleach to clean your tank. To do this, add 1/4 cup of bleach for every 15 gallons of water in your tank. Mix thoroughly and let sit for 24 hours.
Another important RV maintenance tip is regularly washing your awning and treating it with surface protectants. This will help the awning last longer and resist the elements. It's also a good idea to periodically check the tire pressure on your trailer. Keeping the tires inflated to the manufacturer's specifications can save you money on fuel and can help your trailer drive and trail straight.
Check the Stabilizer Jacks
Stabilizer jacks have earned a following among RV owners because they make camping on rough terrain and uneven surfaces a breeze. However, they do need to be inspected and maintained regularly. This is because they can become damaged if left unattended for too long. This can lead to them not functioning correctly or even causing damage to the trailer itself.
Before you start to level or stabilize your trailer, make sure that each one of the stabilizer jacks is fully retracted. Extending them could cause the jacks to be stuck, damaged, or even get stuck underneath the trailer.
Typically, these jacks are found in the front and rear of the trailer. Depending on the brand, they may need to be deployed manually using a hand crank or even a handheld power drill. Make sure that you do this before attempting to drive off.
Check the Roof
The roof on a camper trailer is the most exposed part of the RV and requires an adequate seal to protect against environmental damage. Insufficient weatherproofing can lead to water leaks and interior issues such as mold, mildew, and rot.
Before beginning any work on your roof, make sure you have a good ladder to get up there and that it's stable. If you need help with your ability to do this yourself, enlist the help of a friend or family member.
Once you're on the roof, inspect for any cracks or soft spots in the seals around the skylights, vents, and other equipment mounted to the roof. If these seals dry out, they could cause severe damage to the wall panels or structure of your trailer.
Adding a cargo tray to your travel trailer can be an easy upgrade, making organizing and accessing your storage space much more manageable. You'll also be able to keep your equipment safe from dampness and moisture by keeping it in a separate, covered compartment. If you plan to buy a camper trailer online, always buy it from trusted sites like 4wd Supacentre Discount.
Check the Air Conditioning
Often overlooked, the air conditioning is a vital camper upgrade that makes your trailer feel like home. If your RV isn't cooling as well as it should, the problem could be a simple fix that doesn't require replacing any components. To check for an AC issue, first locate the breaker panel and turn off any breakers that supply power to your air conditioner.
Next, open the unit and take a peek inside. If the condenser is dirty, it will also not cool the RV. This is easy to fix by removing the shroud and cleaning it.
Finally, a quick check of the tire pressure and lug nuts is a great way to ensure your trailer is ready for camping season. Maintaining your tires will prolong their lifespan and keep them safe for your next family trip.
Check the Refrigerator
While it may seem silly, it can make the difference between having a great trip and getting stuck on the side of the road. A simple task like greasing the zerk fittings can help ensure your camper trailer works adequately, save money, and keep you safe on the road.
A fridge that doesn't cool can be a major headache, especially when you are on vacation. The problem is often caused by ammonia sediment that builds up when the refrigerator isn't used for long periods. The sediment blocks the liquid cooling solution and causes the refrigerator to stall.
To fix this, place a lightbulb inside the fridge to warm it up and start the cooling cycle again. This should take about 20 minutes and should resolve the issue. For long-term maintenance, it is also a good idea to clean the fridge regularly and flip it upside down now and then to allow the ammonia to travel to other areas of the refrigerator.
Check the Toilet
One of the most critical components of any camper trailer is its bathroom. After all, you want to avoid being stuck at a campground with a toilet!
A toilet is usually located in the back of the camper trailer and consists of a bowl with water for flushing and a black tank that stores waste. If the toilet isn't working correctly, it could lead to a mess and a bad smell.
If you need to be more comfortable troubleshooting a camper-trailer toilet, you should hire a professional to do the job. RV toilets have unique mechanical parts that may be challenging for novices to fix.
To start:
Turn off the water and drain any residual water.
Remove the toilet from its base and unscrew the water lines, including pipe clamps.
Remove the old flush valve and replace it with a new one.
Once the valve is in place, screw the water lines and pipe clamps back and test for leaks.
Check the Sink
You'll want to ensure your travel trailer's plumbing is in working order when you're on the road. That's why most campers come equipped with sinks, toilets, and showers. If not cleaned regularly, these fixtures can get clogged with hair, food particles, and other debris.
If your RV sink drains slowly, check the P trap under the sink and clean it as needed. Next, follow the drain pipe to where it ties into the vertical drain pipe. A vent or air admittance valve should be at the end of this pipe. Make sure this is open and not stuck closed.
It's also a good idea to check the water pump for any signs of wear and tear. If the pump feels loose, try loosening the hold-down screws to see if that helps the water flow. If it doesn't, you might need a new water pump.
Conclusion
maintaining and upgrading your camper trailer is crucial to ensure a safe and enjoyable camping experience. Some tips to keep in mind include regularly checking your tires, brakes, and electrical systems, as well as upgrading to more durable and efficient equipment. With proper maintenance and upgrades, your camper trailer can last for many years and provide countless memories for you and your loved ones.
