Spring Maintenance – Enjoy RV Dreams Not Discontent
By Al Cohoe
RV Department Okanagan College
Want an enjoyable holiday in your RV this summer? Ann all-systems check when you take it out of storage in the spring is a vital first step in fulfilling that dream.
There are some considerations with the propane (LPG) system that are a safety concern. The RV should have a system leak test and regulator operational test done at a minimum of two-year intervals. This may need to be done more often, depending on the type of roads on which you travel. These propane system tests need to be done and recorded by a certified RV technician. You may be able to soap test fittings, but you are not going to be able to verify the operation of the regulator or check fittings that may not be accessible.
Another part of this procedure is usually verifying the operation of all the appliances. It is good to have the appliances looked at to see that they are igniting and burning properly and the venting is in good condition and not hindered by insects and other obstructions.
It is very important to take a careful look at the exterior in the spring. Moisture damage can be a very rude awakening, especially if there has been some water leaking into the coach and it doesn’t get looked after. Without a doubt, moisture damage can be the most devastating. The unit needs to be inspected around all roof openings, window and door openings, molding joints, exterior lights etc. You would be looking for any sign of cracking of the existing caulking or open gap. Also look at the condition of the fixture itself. Most of the components are plastic and do deteriorate with exposure to the elements, in particularly sunlight. If you do find areas that need attention, do not reseal with silicone. In most cases you need to clean up the area and possibly wire brush the crack, and then reseal with the correct sealant for that type of material. There are many products available and some are specific to rubber roofs, etc.
If the problem is around windows or doors, the best remedy is the removal of the door or window, cleaning up the opening and resealing it with a butyl product and then reinstalling the door or window.
There is one leak test on the water system pressure system that is easy to perform. You need to fill and pressurize all the lines, both hot and cold. You can do this with either the city water or the pump system. Then disconnect or shut off the city water. Open a tap and turn the pump on. Once the pump starts running, shut the tap off. Now would be a good time to have a book or a deck of cards. You want to sit in and around the unit, where you could hear the pump if it starts. With no taps on, the pump should never come on. If once in a while the pump turns on, and it might only be a burp or two, that is due to a drop in pressure or a leak. If you are out in the unit for an hour or so and the pump never turns on, there is no issue with an internal system leak. I have seen units with a very small leak, develop some serious rot, as there may not have been enough water leaking to become visible, but enough to keep an area moist.
You also need to make sure that both the 120VAC and the 12VDC electrical systems all work. Check the condition of the battery or batteries and that all connections are tight and corrosion free. This is good time to make sure that the batteries are filled to the correct level and then check their state of charge. Never fill with anything other than distilled water. Check the operation of all exterior lights; signal, brake, marker, docking, etc. Check the condition of all power cords and extensions. You want to make sure that there are no breaks in the outer sheath, where someone could get an electrical shock.
It is important to check the air pressure in all tires, including the spare. Check all tires for any indication of tire failure, both tread wear and age cracks. Tires can crack or check in both the bottom of the tread and the sidewall area. The wheels should be checked for tightness with a torque wrench. The specifications for torque you may have to get from the manufacturer.
If you would like more information about this topic and other RV related
topics come and join us for our 13th annual RV Owners Seminars.