A Beginner’s Guide to Fifth Wheel Maintenance
Your fifth wheel is equipped with all the best features and amenities to make your camping trips more enjoyable. However, your camper will need some help with upkeep if you want to keep it in good condition so that it serves you well for years to come. Regular maintenance requires only a little bit of effort on your part, but it can make a world of difference to your unit’s lifespan. Plus, it will help reduce your repair costs. In fact, many expensive repairs can be prevented by taking a few simple proactive steps.
The experts at The RV Guys have provided a list of basic maintenance tips to help you get started. If you find any issues that you can’t address yourself, don’t hesitate to contact our service department, so that our trained mechanics can help you out! Our friendly staff will be happy to chat with you about your rig or show you our latest selection of fifth wheels for sale. You’ll find us in Valley View, Texas, so stop by today!
Do a Thorough Inspection
Walk around your fifth wheel to check it from all angles for signs of damage. Here you’re looking for rust, dents, grime buildup, and water damage. Climb up onto the roof as well to inspect its condition. After a season of camping, it’s very likely that it needs to be cleaned to keep debris and water from damaging it. Additionally, check the roof for cracks or areas that might be causing a ceiling leak. You’ll also want to look at the vents to see whether they need to be cleaned.
You should check your camper’s interior every so often when you’re not using it so you can address specific issues. This might involve looking for water leaks, checking appliances to make sure the propane system is functioning, testing and lubricating slide-outs, windows, and doors, cleaning up mold or mildew in the bathroom, or simply picking up debris.
Take Care of Your Slide-Outs
Slide-outs can help you maximize the amount of space you have, but if they start to dry out or if there is too much grime buildup, it can lead to an expensive repair. Make sure to regularly grease the tracks and bars with a lubricant. While you’re at it, grease any door hinges or windows that might be getting a little squeaky.
Maintain Your Generator
The best way to take care of your generator is to make sure that it doesn’t sit too long without running. Old fuel, especially ethanol, can get sludgy and it can corrode the engine. Throughout the off-season, make sure to run your generator for an hour or so once a month to keep the fuel moving and the parts lubricated.
Check the Tires
Every vehicle needs to ride on good, solid tires. Towing a fifth wheel that has worn-out tires with poor pressure is asking for a blowout on the highway. Use a tire pressure gauge to get an accurate reading for all the tires and inflate them up to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure level. While you’re checking the pressure, inspect the sidewalls for any cracks, and look at the tread to make sure it’s sufficiently deep and that there are no objects embedded in your tires.
Storing for the Off-Season
If you’re putting your fifth wheel away for the winter months, remember to winterize it properly. Thoroughly clean your unit and take note of any problem areas you may spot. Some of these issues can be addressed when you pull your rig out again in the spring, while others you'll want to fix them immediately.
By following these maintenance tips, you’ll be able to keep your fifth wheel running smoothly, while also avoiding costly repairs. If your camper needs any major repairs or new parts, the skilled team at The RV Guys in Valley View, TX, is here to help you out. We can also give you a tour of some of the latest fifth wheels that we have in stock right now. We welcome all our patrons visiting us from North Texas.