Harp’s RV Service, harpsrv.com
                                    183 Flocchini Circle, Lincoln, CA 95648
                                      916.434.9151 / harpsrv@hotmail.com
 
                                          “Saving Time and Saving Money”
                                            Better to Prepare than Repair
 
                        THE TOP TEN MOST IGNORED MAINTENANCE ITEMS
 
 

1. BATTERIES: 6V OR 12V-CHECK ONCE A MONTH WHEN CHARGED SHOULD BE 12.8-14.2V

• Proper Charging and watering of batteries
• Add on battery watering system
• 10amp charger, upgraded converter, solar panels with charge controller
• Check connections, put batteries away charged, install cutoff if don’t have one

     2.  Roof-Check 2x’s a year

• Know what type of roof you have for care and maintenance-fiberglass, TPO, rubber or metal
• Proper caulking used for roof type, 100% silicone or Dicor, carry a patch kit
• 303 all plastics,  Ventmates -right one for vent type
• Careful inspection of all seams - where cap meets roof and moldings
• Rubber roof life is 10-15 years - use proper cleaners, no orange cleaner

 
    3. WATER HEATER-FLUSH 2x’s a year

• Thoroughly flush and replace anode if necessary 2x’s a year
• Blow out area with air hose or canned air
• Put flea collar in compartment to stop spiders and bugs
• Can be used on 110v & propane at the same time for quicker return
• Most use of propane, light 20minutes before is propane only
• Exterior bug screen

    4. TIRES-check every trip

• Know the age of your tires-5 to 7 years maximum
• Proper Inflation for the tires is critical-check when cold and change of altitude
• Inflate to pressure listed on tire, make sure proper load rating
• Cover Tires when stored-303 side walls, NO PETROLIUM DISTILLANTS
• When leveling make sure tire imprint is completely on chock or block
• Never level without all tires touching the ground or block
• Tire monitors, tire gauges and stainless steel inflators

 
 
 
5.    FRESH WATER SYSTEM-sanitize once a year

• Sanitize – article on website
• Water pump Filter AND ALL FILTERS CHECKED, USE EXTERIOR WATER FILTER
• Water regulator, Quick Connections and proper water hose and screens

 
6.   SANITATION SYSTEMS

• Always keep chemical with water in holding tank-do not leave dry
• Water – float then dump – Water, Water!
• Chemical – spread out, with a gallon of water / TP RV only
• Outside clear fitting – Keep black valve closed
• Wand for toilet, Add on rinser for toilet, roof jack for venting
• Gray water chemical about every 2nd or 3rd trip
• Happy Bowl

 
7.      REFRIGERATOR-service once a year  

• Clean burner, check thermostat, make sure venting clear
• Check plug behind access door to make sure secure, keep area clean, blowout with compressor or canned air, flea collar
• Put a thermometer in refrigerator-don’t guess
• Always make sure level-check with bubble level in freezer
• Allow 1-2 days prior to trip to cool down-put COLD food in only
• Put add on fan on inside and if necessary, on coils in back
• If refrigerator is on slide-check for proper venting
• NEVER run the refrigerator on propane while traveling down the road

 
 
8.    ROOF AIR CONDITIONER-service once a year

• Check bolts, filter, gasket, at least once a year
• Ducted A/C’s have filter at individual 6” registers
• Make sure combs on back are not crushed, pull shroud to check for obstructions and make sure weep holes are clear

 
8B.    FURNACE-service once a year

• Bug screen for exterior
• Uses a lot of propane and 12v power
• Blow out with air hose

 
 
 
 
         9.     SLIDES-service 2x’s a year
                              

• Lube and check gaskets at least 2x’s a year
• Use 303 protectant on gaskets-make sure not curled under
• If out more than a week, pull in and then put back out to reset leveling
• Most have a manual bypass - find out if yours does
• Put a topper over your slide to prevent leakage

 
       
       
#10 is one of the most important!
 
10.   PROPANE-service once a year

• Monimeter (gas check) at least once a year
• Turn off gas while going down the road – most insurance don’t allow
• Spray fitting with non-ammonia product
• Detectors replaced every 5 years
• When in doubt don’t. There is no such thing as a little leak

 
 

                           TYPES OF RV ROOFS

• Rubber/ EDPM Roof
• Fiberglass
• Metal
  
• Plastic/ Vinyl

Find out what your roof is made of to give it proper care.
Below are care instructions for one of the most common and sensitive types of roof –
         The rubber /EDPM roof
                            “CARE AND MAINTENANCE” – from DICOR
The care and maintenance of your Brite-Ply roof is simple and requires no special materials.

1. Annual inspection of the roof is suggested. Check the membrane for possible damage and check the lap sealant used in all termination areas and around all accessories & fasteners.
   
   
2. Keep your roof clean. For normal cleaning, standard household products such as 409, 4U, Fantastic, or mild detergent is sufficient. Do not use harsh abrasives or products containing solvents. For stubborn stains, a rag dampened with mineral spirits is recommended. DO NOT SOAK.
   
   
3. When cleaning, rinse thoroughly with clean water to avoid residue build-up on the roof or sidewall of the vehicle.
   
   
4. Parking in areas where fruit tree sap may stay on the roof for extended periods of time may result in irremovable stains.

 
Carlisle’s Brite-Ply EDPM roofing membrane is specially formulated for exposure to the sun and natural elements. However, it can be cut or punctured by sharp objects. Use caution when placing any articles or walking on the roof. If damage does occur, the Brite-Ply membrane can easily be patched in the same fashion repairs are made to rubber inner tubes. Call your local dealer or DICOR for additional information.
 
CAUTION: DO NOT use cleaners or conditioners containing petroleum solvents, harsh abrasives, or
     citrus-based cleaners.
     DO NOT use mineral spirits in a large area or allow it to soak into the membrane.

            ROOF MOUNTED AIR CONDITIONER
Operates on 120 AC power or minimum of 2800-watt generator
Know the make/ model of your air conditioner and put the information on your component list
MAINTENANCE:

• Filter should be checked/cleaned at least 3 times a year – located on the inside ceiling (excludes basement models)

 

• Roof gasket should be visually inspected at least once a year
  -roof gasket should be no less than ½” thick
  
  
• Roof bolts should be checked & tightened (if necessary) at least once a year
  
  
• Have a tech check your drain holes, evaporator coils, and rear fins at least once a year.

                                AWNING CARE
Here is information on what the manufacturer of the awning companies recommends for care of the vinyl of your awning.

• Open and inspect your awning at least twice a year
• Silicone the arms and all metal moving part to prevent binding
• After the rain, on a clear day open the awning to air it out to help prevent mildew and dirt from damaging the vinyl. Mildew forms on the dirt that has accumulated.
  
  
• Wash with a non-caustic cleaner such as baby shampoo. Mildew remover or metal cleaner should not be used as they can destroy colors. This is not covered under warranty.

 

• 303 Protector is the only product recommended. This protector can help enhance water proof-ness.

 
Awning Maintenance

• Inspect the awning periodically, especially after bad/wet weather
• Make sure all screws in brackets and rail are tight
• Apply silicone lubricant to the threaded shafts of the black locking knobs and all sliding parts
  
  
• Inspect the awning canopy for loose stitching and possible shrinking

 
Before traveling make sure the awning is securely closed and that you use Velcro awning straps for added protection while traveling.

Battery Troubleshooting and Maintenance



Specific Gravity
Measuring the specific gravity of the electrolyte generally checks the state of charge for a lead-acid cell. Specific gravity is a ratio comparing the weight of a substance with the weight of water. For instance, concentrated sulfuric acid is 1.835 times as heavy as water for the same volume. Therefore, its specific gravity is 1.835. The specific gravity of water is one, and therefore serves as a reference. In a fully charged cell, the mixture of sulfuric acid and water results in a specific gravity of 1.265 at room temperatures of 80°F (27°C). As the cell discharges, less acid is present and more water is formed, lowering the specific gravity. When the specific gravity is down to about 1.120, the cell is completely discharged.




Specific Gravity Readings
Specific gravity readings are taken with a battery hydrometer, such as the one shown. When checking the specific gravity, hold the hydrometer vertically so the float is not rubbing against the side of the barrel. Draw an amount of electrolyte into the barrel so that with the bulb fully expanded, the float will be lifted free, not touching the side, top or bottom stopper of the barrel. Your eye should be on a level with the surface of the liquid in the hydrometer barrel. Disregard the curvature of the liquid where the surface rises against the float stem and the barrel due to surface tension. A hydrometer reading of 1.265 indicates a fully charged battery. A 75% charge is 1.225. Approximately 1.190 is half-charged, 25% is 1.155 and 1.120 indicates complete discharge. Each cell of the battery should be checked. The readings for each cell should be approximately the same. If a reading of one or more cells is substantially different, it would be an indication that the cell(s) is bad. Make sure the hydrometer is clean and does not have any cracks. Never take a hydrometer reading right after you have added water or immediately after a charge. You will get a false indication. You must let the electrolyte stabilize for about 20 minutes. Never add electrolyte to a battery after the initial service. The chemical balance will be off and the battery won’t perform correctly. When adding water, distilled water should be used. Any mineral content could affect the chemical reaction and add to sulfation. The specific gravity will change as the temperature changes. You need to use a temperature compensated hydrometer to ensure accuracy.




DEEP CYCLE BATTERY MAINTENANCE
SAFETY
 Keep flames, sparks or metal objects away from batteries
 Always wear protective clothing, gloves and goggles when handling batteries
 Check that terminals are properly tightened; terminals that are too tight or too lose could result in post breakage, meltdown or fire


WATERING
 Add water, never acid, to cells (Distilled water recommended)
 DO NOT OVERWATER!
 If the batteries are fully charged add water to a level of 1/8” below bottom of fill well
 If the batteries are discharged add water to a level just above the plates


INSPECTION & CLEANING
 Keep batteries clean and dry from residue
 Check that all vent caps are tight
 Use a solution of baking soda and water to clean if there is acid residue on batteries or corrosion on the terminals
 Terminal protectors or protective spray should be applied to terminals to reduce corrosion


STORAGE
 Batteries should be fully charged prior to and during storage
 Never store discharged batteries
 Store batteries in a cool, dry place
 Recharge batteries before putting then back into service