The top ten most ignored maintenance items

                                          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