RV Parts – Maintaining a Travel Trailer

Taking care of a travel trailer is actually easier than what you might expect. You just need to keep in mind what things you need to do first and what RV parts you need to check before and after each trip. It helps a lot if you have a “to do” list with you. Below, we have tried to include the most important items you should have on your maintenance checklist. Several of these items can also apply whether you have a trailer or a full-fledged RV.

Check for leaks

We recommend starting out by thoroughly checking the roof’s seals and seams first, then moving downwards. Make sure you do this at least every three months, but if you frequently take out your RV or trailer, even for a short trip, then you should do a maintenance check every two months instead.

Check your trailer’s roof, skylights, and vents. If your RV has air-conditioning, make sure you check the unit as well. Water leakage soaking into the wooden framework will eventually affect the ceiling panels as well, which can mean a huge repair bill on your end. Replacing RV parts won’t be cheap, and there’s no telling the amount of water damage you might have to deal with if the leakage goes unchecked.

Check your tires and wheels

You should actually do this before the trip, not afterwards. Carefully check each of your tires to ensure they are filled up to the correct tire pressure, and don’t forget to make sure the lug nuts on your wheels are all tightened up. It doesn’t happen often, but there are times when lug nuts get loosened up during a previous trip. It is highly dangerous to drive around with loose nuts, even on just one wheel, so put this on your to-do list before each trip.

Check your fire extinguishers, batteries, and bulbs

First of all, don’t skimp on buying fire extinguishers and batteries. Buy the highest quality you can afford. You will usually find these in a well-stocked RV parts store. Make sure your fire extinguishers are always placed securely in a location that will be easy to access. Check the locking pins, the tamper seals, and the nozzles to make sure they are intact and unclogged.

For your batteries, make sure it is fully-charged before each and every trip. Some batteries will have water levels, while some will be maintenance-free, so it depends on what kind of battery you have. You won’t have to replace it often because a quality battery should run for at least 3 to 5 years.

Check the brakes and the oil 

The brakes on your trailer or RV should always be maintained, for everyone’s safety. The bearings should be solidly intact and nicely lubricated, and the brake pads should have enough material on them to work properly. Again, don’t ever skimp if you need to have your brakes replaced. It will cost around $400 to replace or repack wheel bearings and seals, but this is a critical part of your vehicle, so don’t be a penny-pincher.